One of the main tasks of a higher educational institution is to work with young teachers beginning their pedagogical activity. This work consists in helping a mentor to a novice teacher to adapt to a new activity, develop new skills, competencies and proficiencies, form the necessary qualities, and increase the effectiveness of the teacher. Therefore, the article considers the role of a teacher-mentor carried out on the example of a military institute. The tasks of the teacher-mentor, the specifics of the appointment and activity are described.