State Mentoring Policies Key to Supporting Novice Teachers

Teachers face many challenges in the first years of their careers. Without support and guidance from experienced, highly qualified teacher mentors, the demands of the classroom can overwhelm novice teachers. It comes as no surprise then that one-third of teachers leave the profession within their first five years.

This policy update draws on research, state examples, and the author’s own experience to suggest ways states can better support novice teachers while combating high turnover.