The summer I graduated from college, I spent much of my time looking for a teaching job, looking at newspaper ads, visiting our county Office of Education, calling school districts. If there was a way I could have prepared myself more for my first years in the classroom, I would have. I was lucky to get a position in a district that prioritized professional development and encouraged mentoring. These are the things that made a difference to me. What can we do to help others who are new to our profession?
¥ recognizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to , and offers a variety of resources for those who train and support beginning teachers.
It’s reported that one third to one half of new teachers leave the profession within five years. By focusing on innovative ways to support graduates even after they enter the teaching field, .
shares the results of a study of beginning and veteran English teachers to determine why so many new teachers leave within the first few years of teaching and how to retain new teachers.
Relying on research and case studies focusing on the stated needs of new teachers, the authors of “” describe a variety of ways that experienced teachers can proactively help newcomers in their schools.
Author Susan Spangler suggests that mentors need to be aware of some key factors that motivate us all. She offers guidelines that can help mentor teachers facilitate the growth of prospective teachers in a way that is humane, logical, and effective in “”.
The results of a seven-year research study identify the challenges new teachers face and how all concerned can help keep new teachers in the profession. Read more in .
How do beginning teachers feel? In “” these folks share their first-year experiences and new secondary teachers (and their college methods professor) describe the importance of reflective teaching practice for professional development.