Evaluation of the Impact of Effective Mentoring on Teacher Retention

Аннотация

This applied dissertation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Teacher Mentoring Program in an elementary school in southeast Georgia. Teacher retention was an issue at the school. The study determined what aspects of the mentoring program were beneficial to the mentors and mentees and the extent to which the mentoring program impacted teacher retention. Participants included teachers and mentors who participated in the mentoring program from the 2006 to 2008 school years. A mixed-methods approach, which included online surveys, face-to-face interviews, and a focus group, was used for this summative evaluation. Questions focused on the components of the mentoring program, needs of the new teachers, support received, support strategies, and mentoring relationships. Part of the framework of the study was established through literature reviews that included an investigation of several statewide programs to study the components of induction programs and best practices. An analysis of the data was carried out and findings will assist decision makers in determining whether changes are necessary to improve the mentoring program to meet the needs better of mentors and new teachers.