I am one of the new teachers that Cathe is mentoring.  From my experience teaching this year and the year I spent working in rural Alaska years ago, I can say the reasons for the teacher retention are systemic to the whole set-up of village life, cultural conflicts, and the greater culture of the United States.  I don't believe throwing money at the issues will solve it.  I do believe that all first year teachers need a mentor, regardless of their location in the country. I also don't see that it matters on the employer of the mentor (if the mentor is competent).  Whether the mentor is through UAA, the district, the school, or another place, it matters more so that the mentor can help with the actual issues that the teacher is dealing with (whether that is inner city New York or Chefornak).  The mentor cannot just help with pedagogy.  Pedagogy is likely the least issue with which a first year teacher is dealing.