Professional Educators' Perceptions Concerning the Mentoring Process in the Floyd County Schools: A Synthesis.

In 1985, the Floyd County (Rome, Georgia) School System began an induction program designed to support the entrance level teacher. The major focus of this support was the development of the Mentor Assistance Program which afforded new teachers the opportunity to work closely with veteran teachers in the field. A summative review of the program was conducted to identify the general perceptions of teachers and administrators towards the mentoring process and to evaluate the general criteria and goals of the mentoring program. Perceptions on the effectiveness of the program were identified in terms of what was experienced and what was recommended for future inclusion. Approximately 200 teachers and administrators were surveyed concerning their perceptions about the mentor process. From this population, 187 responded to the survey questionnaire. Mentors, proteges, administrators, and a random selection of teachers not directly involved in the program all placed a high value on the induction efforts. Comments most often made pointed to the need for more time for the participants to work together on common goals and for more attention to matching mentors and beginning teachers. It was suggested that the Mentor Assistance Program is vital to the overall improvement of education and that future empowerment efforts on the part of teachers should be an integral part of future considerations. (LL)