Understanding Teacher Attrition and Retention: The Role of Teacher Induction and Mentorship Programs

The purpose of our three-year pan-Canadian research project is to explore the differential impact of teacher induction and mentorship programs on the early-career teachers’ retention, as perceived across the provinces and territories.

Our base research questions seek perceptions with respect to the following:

1. What are the organization, evolution, mandates, and efficacy of teacher induction programs in each jurisdiction?
2. To what extent and to what benefit have jurisdictions established policies and/or programs of mentorship as an aspect of teacher induction programs?
3. What administration and leadership practices at the system and school levels in area of teacher induction and mentorship are conducive to teacher retention?
4. What are beginning teachers’ perceptions of induction and mentorship programs, especially with respect to retention and career issues?

This research project has been funded by Insight Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).