How important is teacher induction program to newly-hired teachers?

Raquel D. Calma

In any job we undertake, we always hope we start with the right foot. In the case of teachers, the first teaching assignment could make or break him/her. It could also leave either fond memories or a scar of a lifetime on students in his/her class. Hence, there is a saying that good teachers are costly but bad teachers cost more. Bad teachers could indeed cost more because they could destroy the lives of their students by how and what they teach. “Studies indicate that the first teaching assignment of a new teacher is critical. Key education partners advise that the teaching assignments for new teachers should specifically set new teachers up for success in improving student learning.” Also, that new teachers are” guided by a culture that supports (their) assignment,” “ensure that (they) have support in the school, have the resources they need and, in particular, support with student assessment.” Our source puts a stress on the role of principals as instructional leaders in their respective schools, particularly “to the integration of a new teacher,” providing him/her a nurturing environment “instrumental to professional growth.”

Orientation and induction programs of new teachers provide them professional development from the start to the sunset of their career. They start their teaching by an orientation session to the organization— department of education—its vision, mission and goals, organization and structure, accountability as government employees, promotion policies and procedures, and to other aspects of its culture. Then follows an induction to their responsibilities as teachers.

Furthermore, this induction program plays a huge role in setting and conditioning the newly-hired about the extent of their duties and responsibilities in upholding the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Department of Education.

induction program for newly hired teachers is designed “to promote excellence in teaching, enhance student achievement, build a supportive environment within school districts and area education agencies, increase the retention of promising beginning teachers, and promote the personal and professional well-being of teachers.” Another source defines induction as a “comprehensive, coherent, and multiyear professional development process consisting of a carefully crafted array of people and activities designed to acculturate and train a new teacher to the goals and visions of a school or the school district.” Besides integrating educators into the school community, the principal purpose of induction programs is “to teach a new teacher effective teaching strategies and techniques that will improve student learning, growth, and achievement.”

In conclusion, teacher induction program for newly-hired teachers is extremely important to young and newly hired teachers to understand how to be a public-school teacher together with the duties and the responsibilities attached to it. It serves their blueprint as they embark to the challenge of being a public servant. This is also helpful to somehow eradicate complaints among new teachers about the heaviness of being a public-school teacher.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

III at Madapdap Resettlement High School