Having a mentor can be a valuable asset in smoothing the path of your new career. A mentor is someone who can help, direct, and advise you as you gain confidence and experience in teaching. A mentor can help you to learn about your field, know when to take risks, get a long range view of your profession, assist you with day-to-day problems and challenges and encourage your growth as a teacher. A mentor is someone to talk to who has been there and who knows and understands what you are going through. She or he can help you to make good choices and informed decisions in circumstances and situations that are not entirely familiar to you yet. Research has shown that new professionals with mentors are more likely to feel supported and happy in their careers than those without mentors. It can be very reassuring to know that you are not alone in your feelings and that others have been there before you. Your mentor can be looked to as a non-judgmental colleague willing to share the benefit of his or her experience to help you grow into the best teacher you can be.