Date

Winter 4-1-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Structured Mentorship and Induction Programs in Addressing Teacher Shortages in Rural Schools, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: administrative leadership, induction programs, mentorship programs, mission, vision, value, professional development, reputation, rural education, strategic planning, sustainability, teacher effectiveness, teacher retention

This Strategic Research Project was designed to provide a structured approach to improving teacher retention in rural special education settings. Rural districts often face persistent staffing gaps, high teacher turnover, and limited support, which negatively affect instructional quality and student achievement (Garcia & Weiss, 2019a; Ingersoll & Tran, 2023). The project focuses on implementing a structured mentorship and induction program to support novice teachers, strengthen instructional effectiveness, and enhance the stability of the teaching workforce. Through a district-specific needs assessment and a review of current literature, the project identifies key strategies to improve teacher satisfaction, professional growth, and long-term retention.

The findings suggest that mentorship and induction programs provide novice teachers with essential guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, reducing burnout and increasing instructional confidence (Mullen & Fallen, 2022). The strategy leverages internal district strengths, such as leadership support and data-driven practices, as well as external resources, including university partnerships and professional development grants. Recommendations include establishing mentor-mentee pairings and providing year-long induction to support new teachers (Darling-Hammond et al., 2019). Based on the findings of this study, additional recommendations include offering ongoing professional development and conducting systematic program evaluations to ensure fidelity and continuous improvement.

If implemented, this project is expected to improve teacher retention, stabilize instruction, and enhance student outcomes. It also contributes to the field of Special Education by offering a scalable, sustainable framework for supporting early-career teachers in rural schools. Overall, the project demonstrates how structured mentoring and professional support can strengthen the teaching workforce, improve educational quality, and guide policy and practice for similar districts facing teacher shortages.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Special Education

Language

English

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