Mentoring and Induction

This toolkit, developed by the Learning Policy Institute, provides resources to understand and address teacher shortages through effective training and support for new teachers.

This brief explores induction and mentoring as an effective strategy to retain teachers. A definition of induction and mentorship programs is provided, followed by a summary of supporting research on this strategy, state policy examples, and considerations for policymakers.

This paper reviews an extensive body of research on teacher recruitment and retention, and identifies five major factors that influence teachers’ decisions to enter, stay in, or leave the teaching profession. Induction and support for new teachers is discussed as a strategy to attract and retain teachers.

This policy snapshot highlights research about effective induction programs and strategies for setting effective policy related to induction plans. It also includes short spotlights on existing state induction programs, as well as sample regulatory language.

This brief helps state and district leaders make informed policy decisions that take into account the evidence base for mentoring and induction strategies in order to improve supports for and equitable access to great teachers and leaders. The snapshot describes mentoring and induction strategies, how states and districts have implemented these strategies, and the empirical studies and evidence demonstrating the strategy’s effect on educator and student outcomes.

This toolkit provides regional comprehensive centers and states with ready-to-use tools and resources to facilitate meaningful conversations with local education agencies about the design and implementation of effective, high-quality mentoring and induction programs. Toolkit materials summarize research and best practices, highlight relevant examples, and provide streamlined processes for action planning.