Socialization of Novice Teachers

Guided by new structuralism theory, this study examined the context of novice teacher socialization, identified the frequency and substance of interactions between novice teachers and their mentors and other colleagues, and reported on novices’ evaluation of the support that they received. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with district human resource directors and teacher association presidents, as well as surveys of novice teachers in six districts in Michigan and five districts in Indiana. Findings suggest that researchers should examine the informal social structure within schools, which can mediate formal induction policy, and that administrators should institute a network approach to socializing novice teachers.