ABSTRACT
To some extent, all teachers are leaders. They lead not only by their authority but by serving as role models, too, and they inspire excellence in those they lead. “Servant-leaders,” as they are often referred to, have had a widereaching influence, from CEO’s to clergymen to teachers. In response to these challenges, most school districts have instituted new-teacher induction programs. Smith and Ingersoll report that there is a strong link between participation in induction programs and reduced rates of turnover, and that among the most effective of them—at least in terms of reducing teacher turnover—is mentoring. Some evidence suggests that new teacher induction programs may not have the same positive effects on music teachers as they do on non-music teachers. One way to maximize their effect may be to pair young teachers with very experienced mentors. Beyond mentor relationships and school-sponsored orientation programs, new teachers should explore a variety of strategies to comfortably and successfully integrate into the profession.
