Generally, the most challenging circumstance a beginning teacher experiences is their first year in the classroom. Mentoring programs help new teachers make a successful transition into the teaching profession by relying on the expertise of veterans to provide a real-world training progression. Mentoring has been shown to have a positive effect on the retention of good teachers and there are several reasons why school systems should initiate a mentoring program. First, mentoring helps new teachers develop the confidence that they need to employ their newly learned instructional strategies. Secondly, teachers who are not isolated at the beginning of their careers often remain more interested in continued professional growth. Third, mentoring allows the more experienced teacher to share their expertise with others, which is professionally empowering for the veteran teacher. And finally, a sense of collegiality can rapidly develop between mentoring partners and a sound program should ensure frequent, continuous, and substantive dialogue about the practice of teaching.
The qualities of effective mentor teachers can be organized into four general categories: professional competence and experience, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and attitude and character. The following criteria should be used in the mentor selection process when a new mentoring program is initiated.
• A history of proficient or outstanding performance appraisals;
• Recognition as an outstanding teacher who maintains positive peer relations;
• Three years of successful teaching experience;
• Understanding of beginning teacher development;
• Understanding of formative assessment processes;
• Ability to discuss assessment information and share instructional ideas and materials with beginning teachers;
• Possession of effective interpersonal and collaborative skills; and
• Commitment to their own professional growth and learning.
In order for mentors to provide meaningful advice and leadership to new teachers they should demonstrate many of the qualities described above. A veteran teacher with a strong attitude and character is often characterized by a strong commitment to the teaching profession and willingness to share ideas and information with colleagues. Professional competence includes skilled knowledge of pedagogy and content matter as well as excellent classroom management skills. Teachers with powerful communication skills are able to share effective instructional strategies, and are equally able to listen attentively and offer critiques in positive, non-threatening ways.