(1) The quality of teaching and administration in the public schools is of vital importance to the future of this state;
(2) This state has a special interest in ensuring that the induction of beginning teachers and administrators into their profession enhances their professional growth and development by making a positive impact on student learning;
(3) The formal assignment of mentors who have demonstrated the appropriate subject matter knowledge and teaching and administrative skills will substantially improve the induction and professional growth of beginning teachers and administrators in this state, as well as provide mentors with additional and valuable opportunities to enhance their own professional growth;
(4) Teachers and administrators who receive research-based, relevant mentoring produce students with a higher rate of achievement;
(5) School districts that have teacher mentoring have a higher rate of retention among teachers; and
(6) Administrators who receive mentoring improve their effectiveness as administrators and continue to improve throughout their careers. [Formerly 342.784; 2001 c.317 §3; 2007 c.863 §2]