More and more districts are turning toward induction programs and mentor teacher support to keep new hires from leaving the profession. In the new 300-page report Learning the Ropes: Urban Teacher Induction Programs and Practices in the United States, Recruiting New Teachers, Inc., examines induction's critical role in developing and retaining teaching professionals.

The study presents detailed profiles of induction and mentoring programs in 10 major cities including some of the most established such as the Rochester (NY) City School District Mentor Teacher-Intern Program, as well as pilot programs, such as the Clark County-Las Vegas New Teacher Induction Program. The study also reports findings from a national survey that indicate an average 93 percent retention rate for teachers participating in induction programs. Learning the Ropes includes a comprehensive review of the literature on induction and offers recommendations to policymakers and school leaders to consider as they develop strategies to meet the needs of new hires.