Creating Conditions for Strong Mentoring

Abstract

________________________________________________________________In this article, the author identifies best practices for mentor selection, pairing, education, and implementation of mentoring programs for new teachers. These best practices include careful selection of mentors with strong communication and collaborative skills, mindful matching of mentor to mentee, mentor education that includes a focus on reflective practices, strategies to deal with philosophical differences between the mentor and mentee, and release time and financial incentives for new teacher mentors. The author compares this research to current state mentoring policies, noting that while in many states the lack of structural and financial supports for mentoring lead to a misalignment of research and practice, states that do provide these supports show promise in promoting strong mentoring practices.