Three case studies are presented that highlight problem scenarios relating to beginning special education intern teachers and explain how the teachers attained success. The cases focus on classroom management, adaptation of the core curriculum, and knowledge of instructional practices. (JDD)

Advocates the value and importance of asking prospective teachers to tell autobiographical stories about their teaching experiences. Describes in detail the story of one prospective English teacher's journey from recent graduate to professional teacher and her initiation into the English teaching discourse community. (HB)

Work with first-year teachers in the greater Haifa area is reported. The four teachers continue to meet with their former university teacher education instructor, who helps them in their transition from student to teacher. (LB)

Describes support delivered by Harvard University's Beginning Teacher Computer Network which helps beginning teachers in disparate geographic locations. Data from mail surveys, computer message counts, and follow-up interviews indicate the network was most effective in providing moral support and least effective in providing technical support of…

As states begin mandating induction-year programs as part of teacher preparation and certification, three issues have surfaced: the lack of consistency in definitions of mentoring among stakeholders, both between and within states; the need for the development of appropriate and effective models of mentoring; and the need for adequate funding to…

Outlines aspects of effective mentoring and teacher induction programs. Lists typical goals of effective mentoring programs and specific skills and competencies of trained mentors. Discusses frameworks for evaluating the impact of mentoring programs on beginning teachers, and suggests that the developing teacher moves through three stages:…

Examines the contribution of in-service teachers when they take responsibility for teacher-education courses. Outlines the main elements of sharing experiential knowledge by referring to the results of a research study that examined links between theory and practice. Discusses the use of examples as an important part of a teacher's contribution.…

A survey of 201 of Missouri's beginning teachers exposed a disparity between what they wanted in their induction programs and what they received from their school districts. Respondents recommended five categories of support. This paper examines those categories and presents relevant recommendations for supervisors and administrators who design…

Investigates teachers' professional lives during their early years of teaching in the Victoria, Australia area. Suggests that the concept of the beginning teacher as a novice progressing to expert had limited value. Reveals the critical influence of the social and political context in enabling supportive communities to foster the proper…

Describes New Zealand's program for beginning teacher induction, in which new primary teachers (K-8) receive weekly release time for the purpose of staff development. Argues that using this model would help combat the impending teacher shortage in the United States. (SR)

Presents results from two separate studies, which focused on proteges' reports of ways in which mentoring was usually arranged--as well as typical mentor roles and mentor-protege activities. Mentors were often described as "career guides" or "information resources," and the greatest percentage of mentor-protege activities belonged to an…

A survey of 27 agriculture, 13 biotechnology, and 44 health occupations teachers found that fewer than half experienced adequate materials, facilities, and continuing education reimbursement during induction. Better retention strategies matching teachers' stages of concern were needed during the first five years of teaching. (SK)

Drawing on personal anecdotes and findings from a comparative, cross-cultural study of mentored learning to teach, the paper examines why teachers in mentor-type roles do not see themselves as school-based teacher educators. Also examines what educative mentoring looks like and discusses how to help teachers become thoughtful, serious mentors for…

Discusses the importance of quality beginning teacher induction programs to both teachers and students, listing several essential components of quality induction programs, including: program vision; institutional commitment and support; quality mentoring; professional standards; and classroom-based teacher learning. The article looks at teacher…

Chronicles a year-long mentoring relationship at Kean University (New Jersey) through the eyes of the participants: one senior and tenured faculty member and one junior, first-year faculty member. States that the program is very successful in providing support to both new and seasoned faculty and allows participants to develop relationships with…