Best Teacher Mentorship Programs
- Rojas
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Starting a teaching career can feel overwhelming. New teachers must manage classrooms, design lessons, and meet diverse student needs, often without much classroom training. Mentorship programs help bridge this gap by pairing novice teachers with experienced mentors who offer:
Practical classroom strategies
Emotional support and encouragement
Feedback on teaching methods
Help navigating school culture and policies
Research shows that teachers who participate in mentorship programs are more likely to stay in the profession longer and report higher job satisfaction. These programs also improve student outcomes by fostering more effective teaching. Read on to discover the top mentorship programs.
Mentor Orchard is a platform of mentors that teachers can meet with virtually at any time. You can choose from one-time or ongoing sessions. Mentor Orchard truly exhibits the idea that teaching should be collaborative and that teachers hold the knowledge and support that other teachers need. Here’s what sets Mentor Orchard apart from other programs:
Experienced Mentors
Mentor Orchard carefully selects mentors with proven teaching and mentoring success. Most have over 10+ years of experience, are skilled in a range of specialties (AP, IB, Project Based Learning, SPED, etc...), have taught in different types of schools (public, private, international, Title 1), and have expert knowledge in their content.
Mentors also have impressive accolades such as being AP curriculum writers, Ivy League graduates, and Teacher of the Year. Mentor Orchard's mentors are paid for a good job and are publicly reviewed by their mentees which adds assurance about the quality of mentorship you are getting.
In-school mentorship programs are unable to provide access to such a diversity of knowledge and skill especially if they are in a smaller or more rural district. Also, there is often a lack of effective feedback mechanisms to ensure that mentors are actually effectively supporting their assigned teachers.
Flexible & Convenient
With Mentor Orchard, mentees can choose from one-time, weekly, or monthly sessions. They can stick to one mentor or change mentors based on their current needs. Sessions are offered at multiple times throughout the day and night so mentees can choose a time that is most convenient for them to meet.
In-school mentorship programs do not have this flexibility since they use teachers or instructional coaches that are limited by their work schedule and responsibilities. Often teachers must stick to one mentor even when the mentor relationship is not benefitting the teacher.
Pricing
Mentor Orchard is an affordable option for teachers. Sessions start at $25 a session for individual sessions and less per session for weekly and monthly options. Their small group cohorts also offer a cost savings. (Use code NewTeacher for $10 off your first session!)
Mentor Orchards allows teachers to take control of their professional growth instead of waiting for districts to pay for a costly mentorship program.
College Board's program focuses on teachers who teach AP Curriculum at the high school level. They offer small group, online workshops run by experienced AP teachers. Workshops tend to run 3 hours 6:30-9:30PM ET and can be used as CEUs.
Compared to Mentor Orchard however, College Board's program does not offer as many scheduling options, does not show who the mentors are, is limited to AP subjects, and is more expensive ($150 for members and $175 for non-members).
Many states and school districts design and run their own mentorship initiatives or pay an outside company to be involved in them. These programs vary significantly by district and location.
One such program is the New Teacher Center. They are based in Sacramento, California and offer their services to districts. They teach mentors that the district provides, assess the district's mentorship program, and offer in-person coaching. Their training methods are also backed by data.
While the NTC can be a good option for districts with the budget for a mentorship program, the aforementioned virtual mentorship programs give individual teachers the power to decide who their mentors are and when they can meet, especially when districts are unable to afford NTC's services.
University or College Programs
Many colleges offer mentorship or apprenticeship as part of the teacher's education. Programs often offer substantial in-class training, instant feedback from experienced professors, and research backed strategies. Some programs even continue to support graduates in their first few years of teaching and beyond.
Most university programs however are only made for young grads (not career changers) and can be highly selective. Since tuition is involved, they can also be very expensive, much more than what an average teacher makes.
One notable program is Dallas College's Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This program is a great option for those working in a Texas school but who don't yet have a degree or teaching certificate (ex. paraprofessionals, custodians).
Teacher Training Programs
Many teacher training programs such as Teach For America (TFA) Mentorship offer mentorship as part of their certification package.
However, the quality of mentorship greatly varies by program and location. Often these programs also have limited feedback mechanisms, teachers are unable to choose who their mentors are, and require being placed in schools that may be more challenging for a new teacher.
How to Choose the Right Mentorship Program
Selecting the best mentorship program depends on your goals, teaching context, and preferences. Consider these factors:
Relevance: Does the program match your grade level and subject area?
Mentor Quality: Are mentors experienced and trained to support new teachers?
Flexibility: Can you access mentorship virtually or in person?
Mentor Orchard excels in all these areas, making it a strong choice for educators seeking comprehensive support.
