Although stimulating genuine mentoring among teachers is not an easy process, mentoring is vital to the teaching profession. Essential elements of mentoring identified through research include socialization, individual adjustment, and nurturing. Young teachers need help in entering the profession and they also need role models and counselors throughout their careers. These needs coincide with the needs of experienced teachers to nurture and find meaning in their careers. Though routine in business, mentoring is still awkward in the teaching profession. Compartmentalization, age disparities, job dissatisfaction, and powerlessness restrict mentoring. Research shows that efforts such as improving communication, involving experienced teachers, and mentor training can bring about changes that benefit both new and experienced teachers. (CB)