Many schools systems are currently using veteran teachers as mentors to first, second and third year teachers.  The hope is that the mentoring teachers will encourage, uplift, and guide the inexperienced teachers, thereby creating an environment that supports individuals who are entering a very demanding career.  In theory, mentors are successful, capable, and energetic.  In my experience, the mentor programs look great on paper but fall short in reality.  The mentors have to be trained, which can be very expensive for the school systems.  This means that not just anyone can be a mentor.  One may ask why is that a bad thing.  It means that not all veteran teachers are elegible.  Often times a younger teacher finds a veteran teacher who acts as a mentor and builds a rapport.  This teacher might be an effective mentor but because he or she has not had the required training, they cannot recieve the financial compensation for their time, effort, and support. I believe that a mentoring relationship can't be forced or assigned.  For new teachers to be able to share their concerns or dificulties with another teacher requires a relationship of trust and respect.  This type of relationship can't be forced.  Often new teachers go through the mentor/mentee hoops because they are required but they never really benefit from the experience.  It would be more effective if new teachers were allowed to form relationships with veteran teachers first, and then choose someone that they can be effectively mentored by.