Background: South Africa's teacher retention crisis calls for policy makers, school leaders and teachers to explore ways for professional growth. This study examined six novice teachers' experiences and views on continuous professional development (CPD) and how it benefits teachers as they transition from mentees to mentors. Aim: The study aimed…

This article outlines the program design, benefits, and challenges of a university-wide, near-peer faculty-mentoring program. The mentoring exchange facilitates group leadership by early-career faculty who have recently succeeded at the steps incoming faculty will face. Five primary themes emerged from qualitative analysis of six focus groups:…

A questionnaire survey of beginning and new-to-district teachers in a large school district studied use of self-selected mentors. Teachers indicated they did self-select mentors, generally from the same area or grade level. Most needed mentors to provide information on policy and procedures. All perceived the experience as valuable. (SM)

Maintains that many of the professional development skills needed to survive and prosper in academia are learned through contacts and activities within professional organizations. Describes a workshop given to graduate students to promote membership in these organizations. Includes a list of 25 professional organizations in sociology. (MJP)