How can a school get involved in the programme?
A school interested in participating in the project should contact Suzanne at the National Induction Programme for Teachers office at Suzanne.Stone@spd.dcu.ie or 01-8842257 to register their interest.
The school will be asked to nominate a teacher who is willing to train as a mentor and undertake the elements of the Induction Programme, including attendance at professional development seminars. When an NQT has been appointed in the school, the school should then contact the office to inform them of the appointment. The selection of schools takes place in late August/early September each year. The Primary Steering Committee of the project draws up the criteria for selection of schools for participation in the project each year.
What will be expected of me if I agree to take on the role of mentor in my school?
Teachers who are willing to act as mentors for NQTs will be required to participate in a professional development programme for the role.
Click here for further information on the role of the mentor within the National Induction Programme for Teachers - Primary
The professional development programme consists of training in the areas of:
- Understanding of Induction Programme – theoretical perspectives including international and national backgrounds
- Understanding the stages of Teacher Development - particularly the Induction Stage
- Understanding of Induction Programme – needs of NQTs, elements of the induction programme
- Mentor qualities, relationships and the role and responsibilities of the mentor; role of the principal in the induction programme and the role of the NQT in the induction programme
- Stages of mentor development
- Key skills of mentoring e.g. listening and communication skills, empathy, observation and feedback, coaching, goal-setting, other related skills
- Mentor perspective – a participating mentor’s view
- Whole school approach to Induction
- Planning for the NQT in the first year
- Reflective practice
The role of mentor involves:
- Providing ongoing support for the NQT throughout his/her first year teaching
- Co-ordinating an induction plan for the NQT, in collaboration with the principal and the NQT, involving a range of induction activities e.g. planning, observation, co-teaching, meetings, etc.,
- Providing opportunities for peer learning, for sharing knowledge and practice, for reflection on practice
- Promoting the involvement of the whole school in the induction of NQTs in the school
- Attendance at professional development days
What if no teacher in the school wants to train as a mentor?
If it is not possible to train a teacher from your school as mentor, it may be possible to link with a neighbouring school to use the visiting mentor service. Please contact the National Induction Programme for Teachers - Primary office for further details.
Can an NQT join the programme in October? December? January? If so when does the induction year end?
An NQT should ideally join the programme from September but no later than October to benefit fully from the induction year. Please contact the National Induction Programme for Teachers - Primary office if other situations arise and clarification is required.
Should NQTs be registered with Teaching Council before undertaking Induction?
Yes, all NQTs joining the induction programme should be registered with the Teaching Council.
For how long should a mentor undertake the role of the mentor?
It is recommended that a mentor undertake the role of mentor for a minimum of three years. Selection of mentors is at school level and it is recommended that teachers undertaking the role of mentor should have a minimum of five years teaching experience at primary level and be fully probated.
Should the Board of Management and parents be informed about the Induction project?
Yes, the B.O.M should be informed that the school is participating in the National Induction Programme for Teachers - Primary. A letter is available from the project office, which may be adapted to suit the school context. This letter, regarding the school’s participation in the project, may be sent to parents if the school wishes to do so.
Whose decision is it to participate in the Induction Programme?
It is the school’s decision to participate in the Induction Programme. If an NQT takes up a position in a school which is participating in the project, then the NQT, if he/she qualifies for inclusion (based on the criteria laid down by Primary Steering Committee), is automatically deemed to be a participant in the project.
Can an NQT opt out of elements of the Induction Programme?
It is the mentor’s role within the school to facilitate the induction programme, in consultation with the principal. A list of the elements of the project is included in the Guide to Induction and Mentoring in the Primary School. The mentor, in collaboration with the Principal and NQT, draws up the induction plan which will include opportunities for the NQTs to undertake classroom observations of other classes in the school or in a neighbouring school. It will also include opportunities for the mentor to observe the NQT and engage in professional dialogue on teaching and learning.