Too often, new teachers are left withering on the vine without the proper support to help them survive that tough first year. The attrition rate of new teachers is astounding. New teachers should have a friendly, wise, helpful, and understanding veteran educator as a mentor. Someone who can lend an ear, give professional advice, and provide support when the kids and the job get tough. Four years of college, a few practicums, and a semester of internship is usually not enough to get a person ready for his or her own class.
On the job is where the real learning happens, In other words... in the fire, without the benefit of a safety net. That's a crazy way to treat a new teacher. Too often do the new teachers get the crummy converted trailer as their classroom, and they're stuck out there all year long trying to get by... alone. Administrators need to ask themselves, "Is it easier to replace lost faculty each spring, or is it in my best interest to nurture the newcomers, and help them succeed in the profession.” That seems like a no-brainer to me.
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