Framework for Designing a Mentoring Program for Novice Teachers

The literature is filled with the benefits of mentoring for novice teachers. One of the key benefits is that it can increase novice teacher retention in the teaching profession. However, little information exists in designing a mentoring program for novice teachers that addresses an organization's specific situational needs and resources. This article describes the 'Situational Mentoring Framework' for developing a successful mentoring program. This framework follows a systemic change approach in addressing four major components of a mentoring process: (1) mentor selection; (2) mentor and novice teacher preparation; (3) support team; and (4) accountability.