IPSWICH-based deputy principal Katrina Roche has backed claims that early mentoring and induction programs for new teachers is vital in combatting the current teacher shortages.
“Induction leads to the creation of networks and through that helps create a sense of purpose for new teachers,” Ms Roche said.
“Teaching a class of students all day, often as the only adult, is tiring and lonely, so having a mentor and network in place helps reduce that feeling of loneliness.
“The most important thing for a new teacher is having that network in place beyond their mentor.
“Beginning teachers need a safe environment where they are able to take risks, make mistakes, and need to be comfortable to ask for help.”
As schools grapple with teacher shortages, providing robust support for new educators has become more critical than ever, said University of Southern Queensland associate head of professional engagement Ellen Larsen.
Dr Larsen, a senior lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy, highlighted the dual challenge of addressing teacher shortages while ensuring new teachers are set up for success.
“One of the main policy responses around teacher shortages has been to encourage more people into the profession, which means we’re getting a lot of new teachers coming through, but with that comes the responsibility of not only supporting them to make the transition, but also to hit the ground running and to really enjoy and experience success early on,” she said.
“If we’re going to keep our teachers, we absolutely must provide them with the support that they need, particularly in those early years, where it can be very overwhelming”
Dr Larsen said most schools had good induction programs where they are able to support teachers to understand the context and the ways of working in that context.
“But what’s important within induction is mentoring, and we know that mentoring always comes up among those early career teachers who leave they say that it was mentoring that they would really, really like to experience.
“As schools continue to address the ongoing teacher shortages, fostering a supportive environment for new teachers is not just a necessity but an investment in the future of education.”
