Effective practices and resources for support of beginning teachers

Abstract

School district-level, site-based support and effective mentoring and induction programs for new teachers can help new teachers' self efficacy, dispositions and acquisition of knowledge and skills. In addition, sustained support may lower attrition rates, increase teacher effectiveness in the classroom, and save school districts money. School districts must intensify efforts to work with school administrators to provide effective support, guidance and orientation programs during the initial years of teaching. While induction programs vary considerably from state to state and across school districts, they are typically intended to increase teacher effectiveness in the classroom and impact teacher attrition rates.