Novice teachers face a variety of obstacles as they begin their career and need mentors to help provide support and guidance while navigating the first crucial years in the profession. Several key foundational skills are essential for a mentor to be effective and successful. These include: building trust, effective collaboration and communication, meeting needs of diverse learners through cultural responsiveness, and building ownership through student data. Mentors need the opportunity to develop these skills so that they are able to work with the mentee to nurture and develop a successful partnership. Each foundational skill provides general information about the skill as well as resources to help the mentor.