Mentoring new teachers

2 comments June 20th, 2008

In Belvidere School District’s new budget, there’s money for 3.5 mentors. That’s money well spent. While teacher satisfaction is at a 20-year high, according to a 2006 MetLife national survey, retention of teachers is still a trouble spot.

The first year of teaching can be a tremendously isolating experience, and being guided by veterans can keep a good teacher in the profession. Rockford School District uses retired teachers on a stipend. Read more on the topic in Monday’s Our Views on the Opinions page.

Also, are you a teacher? Were you fortunate enough to have a mentor? Or, did you really need one and didn’t get it? Please respond on this blog and let us know.