Mentors and coaches are invaluable to teachers, schools and students. There are often large numbers of first-year teachers, and the guidance of a veteran mentor can help navigate the roller-coaster ride that is one's first year of teaching.

Not all teachers have veteran teachers voluntarily supporting them, nor do all districts have formal mentoring or coaching programs. Though more than 30 states have mentoring programs in place, the structure and quality varies. California has a highly-regarded, state-funded teacher support program, Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment (BTSA), but not all new teachers are eligible for the programs. In fact, there are often more new teachers not in the program than in it. In recent years, this situation may be improving; there are increasing numbers of reading coaches at many schools, which help both new and veteran teachers.

As more states put mentoring requirements in place as part of the teacher certification requirements, districts are realizing the role mentors and coaches play, not only in teacher retention but in teacher quality and performance as well. Increasingly, districts are implementing formal, structured mentoring and coaching programs to meet the needs of novice teachers.

In the formative evaluation work with PBS TeacherLine, Hezel Associates has surveyed and interviewed dozens of mentors and mentees. Of those being mentored, we've found an initial, high need for moral support, as well as introduction to school/district resources and adjusting to school culture and norms. Our findings show mentors support new teachers  in order to help  them acclimate to their schools and classrooms. Nearly two-thirds of mentees surveyed through our work with PBS report their mentor has helped them feel "a lot" less overwhelmed, more encouraged about teaching and more integrated into their school or district. As new teachers become more comfortable in their roles, mentors continue providing moral support but also help teachers improve their instructional practice and classroom management skills.

The majority of districts with mentoring for induction programs mandate new teacher participation. Most districts also provide numerous supports for their programs, including mentor training, materials, mentor stipends and release time for mentors and mentees.