Perceptions of First-Year Teachers in an Urban High School

This qualitative study examined beginning teachers' perceptions of mentoring and induction. The rationale for the study was that the first years of teaching are typically the most challenging for beginning teachers. Data sources included observations, interviews, and field notes. This study had three objectives: to provide an up-to-date, readable, and wide-ranging account of the perceptions of beginning teachers; to offer a guide to some of the major issues currently under discussion in the experiences of beginning teachers; and to identify some of the major deficiencies in the existing literature. Data revealed that beginning teachers desired support in classroom management, curriculum and instruction, securing resources, and discipline. Given the amount of teachers who leave the profession within the first five years, this research has the potential to reveal the influencing factors which may lead to a teachers’ decision to leave the classroom or remain in the teaching profession. In identifying these factors and creating and implementing effective induction programs and support systems, there may be a way to avoid or at least decrease the high turnover rate of beginning teachers