Comprehensive Mentoring Programs for New Teachers: Models of Induction and Support

"The author has done an excellent job of highlighting the key aspects of a comprehensive induction program and offers rich examples across urban, rural, and suburban setting. Anyone interested in developing induction programs that both support and accelerate beginning teacher development should read this book.
―Ellen Moir, Executive Director
New Teacher Center, University of California, Santa Cruz

"State level policy makers can take a positive step forward by providing every district and school leader with a copy of this book. Expertly organized and written, Villani′s work provides answers to school leaders′ key questions regarding establishing a comprehensive induction/mentoring program. Readers will keep the book within reach as a most valued resource."
―Stephanie Hirsch, Executive Director
National Staff Development Council

"A significant addition to the literature on mentoring in the education profession. This book provides various models of comprehensive programs implemented in school districts around the country and confirms the importance of mentoring to retain teachers, maintain consistency in academic programming, and develop a culture of continuous improvement in professional practice."
―Gail Connelly, Executive Director
National Association of Elementary School Principals

"Susan Villani presents comprehensive mentoring programs as catalysts for school improvement and reflective practice. With a wealth of tools and models for establishing effective programs, this book addresses cultural competence, peer coaching, and retention of math, science, and special education teachers. Villani′s framework will strengthen professional learning communities and improve the effectiveness of our most valuable resource―teachers."
―Mary Forte Hayes, Executive Director
Massachusetts Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Establish a quality comprehensive mentoring program and improve teacher retention rates!

This updated edition of Mentoring Programs for New Teachers outlines mentors′ roles, mentor preparation, and the ways comprehensive mentoring programs support new teachers and educators. Readers will find:

• Descriptions of 18 successful real-world, comprehensive mentoring programs on the state, district, regional, and national level
• A list of 5 factors to consider when developing a comprehensive mentoring initiative
• A rubric based on seven components of comprehensive mentoring programs
• New material for supporting special education, math, and science teachers
• Resources to use in program development or revision

Susan Villani has been training teachers and administrators to become more effective instructors and leaders for over 30 years.

A member of WestEd′s Learning Innovations, Villani specializes in consulting and professional development in the area of mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and principals, and collaborative coaching training for math and literacy coaches, as well as mentors. Villani has worked with thousands of new and experienced teachers and administrators who have reported improvement in their practice and heightened job satisfaction, resulting in improved academic performance of tens of thousands of students.

Villani chaired the Teacher Quality Initiative of the New York Comprehensive Center. Also, as coordinator for Project ACROSS (Alternative Certification Route with On-going Support Systems), Villani has worked with over 100 New Hampshire teachers seeking alternative certification and with their mentors. She also worked with district educators through two technology support teacher centers that enhance teacher effectiveness for New Hampshire teachers. Villani consulted with and provided professional development for Maine educators to design and implement a statewide new-teacher mentoring program linked to the new Maine Teaching Standards. In collaboration with the New York State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, she helped districts and other service providers meet the new state law requiring mentoring programs for new teachers. Such work helps increase teacher retention and quality.

Villani also works with school principals and district administrators throughout the East Coast to help them enrich their practice and heighten their effectiveness with faculty and staff. Embedded in all of Villani’s work is a commitment to help all educators be culturally proficient, thereby being sensitive to and addressing the needs of all students and their families, as well as school and consulting staff.

Villani is the author of Are You Sure You′re the Principal? Guiding New and Aspiring Leaders, and Mentoring and Induction Programs That Support New Principals. In 2007, Villani coauthored, with Kathy Dunne, Mentoring New Teachers Through Collaborative Coaching: Linking Teacher and Student Learning and the accompanying facilitation and training guide. Villani frequently presents at national and regional conferences.

Prior to joining WestEd in 2000, Villani was a school principal for 21 years and served as an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University for more than 10 years. She received a BA in business administration from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, S.U.N.Y. at Binghamton, an MEd in elementary education from Tufts University, and an EdD in educational administration from Northeastern University.