Scoil Oilibhéir, Ballyvolane,
Co. Cork

www.scoiloilibheir.ie _____________________

The National Induction Programme for Teachers website will regularly feature a school from the project, focusing on their experience of the project. Our first featured School is Scoil Oilibhéir, Ballyvolane, Cork. If you would like your school to be featured on this website, please contact Suzanne Stone at suzanne.stone@spd.dcu.ie or Tel: 01 884 2257.

Treasa Bowe, mentor at Scoil Oilibhéir, outlines the experience of NPPTI in the school.

Scoil Oilibhéir has been delighted to be part of the National Pilot Project on Teacher Induction for the past two years. As a large primary school of eight hundred pupils, we often have the privilege of providing NQTs with their first professional year in the education system. Twenty five years ago when the school first opened its doors, it was recognised by the staff that these teachers needed to be guided and supported through this year and, while recognising the involvement of all staff members in the process, it was decided to assign each new teacher an individual mentor teaching at the same class level. This system was very effective and so it was with great interest that we became involved with the national project.

The greatest change for us was that NQTs would no longer have individual mentors, rather one mentor was nominated for the school and they would be responsible for all NQTs. Initially, there was doubt about the effectiveness of the approach, particularly as the mentor may be unfamiliar with the class level being taught by the NQT. However, within a short time the benefits were evident to all. Having one mentor fostered a greater sense of support and community among the NQTs. Rather than dealing concerns and worries individually, they could share them in a collaborative environment and be re-assured that others are experiencing the same challenges as themselves. It also provides a wonderful forum for the sharing of good practices and resources.

The programme has formalised the induction process in the school. Previously mentor and mentee
met as needs arose but now we schedule weekly meetings where we can discuss day-to-day events therefore often identifying and solving problems before they even arise. The reaction of our
inspectors to the project has been both positive and supportive. Having the mentor sitting in on reflections has many advantages, not only do they provide support but also they often pose questions that the NQT may be reluctant to raise themselves. The advice of the inspector has frequently re-focused our plans and given us a new direction.

More from Scoil Oilibhéir below.