|
Beginning teachers can face anticipation, uncertainty, stress, concern, even fear when first taking up a teaching position. They have to implement all they have learned in the most effective way, create relationships with students, other staff and parents, become a part of a system, a school and a staff with all this implies, match the desirable with the possible and finally, cope with the physical demands of teachig full-time. While this can prove rerwarding and hopefully does for new teachers, it makes for interesting times until the moment you are certain you made the right decision.
This page gives access to procedures and programs used in each state & territory, special reviews, reports and surveys, resources & tools, books, even Survival Guides. In doing so it looks at induction and mentoring where used and any other special programs.
For related information, visit the Professional Development pages.
States & Territories
Australian Capital Territory
- Canberra, Teach in
Looks at teaching in Canberra. Check sections in the menu at the left. - FAQs
From how to apply, to placement. - Support for New Educators
‘New educators are supported during the early years of their career through a variety of programs. One of the first information sessions is centrally organised Induction which provides the opportunity to meet departmental officers and receive introductory information about the department and support programs for new educators.’
New South Wales
- Beginning Teacher Induction Policy
From the NSW/ACT Independent Teachers Union. - Early Career Teachers
This professional learning process has sections on induction, new scheme teachers, preservice liaison, resources, supervision and general support practices. - Induction [NSW]
‘Induction includes orientation to the NSW Department of Education and Training and to the school, as well as a school-based induction program involving structured supervision, collegial support, mentoring and professional networking.’ - Information and Support For Beginning Teachers
Has three major links to Mentoring, The English K-6 syllabus and Early Career Teachers. - Information for Newly Appointed Teachers
‘Welcome to your online site with information for newly appointed teachers. This page will give you quick access to information that will help you settle into your new role.’ - Probationary Service
‘Probationary teachers are beginning teachers and have the support of an appropriate induction and structured supervisory program.’
Northern Territory
- Strong Beginnings
An Explicit Guide to Quality Practice in The Early Years. ‘Aims to be a practical and explicit interpretation of the Northern Territory Curriculum Framework for the pre-compulsory years of preschool and transition. The resource is focused on achieving a guide to quality practice that is accessible to staff working in diverse contexts and with a range of qualifications and experiences.’ Downloadable PDF files. - Teacher Stories
Read teacher stories from both remote and urban settings to see if such placements would suit you.
Queensland
- Beginning Teacher Induction
‘The Flying Start induction strategy renews the focus on induction for all Education Queensland beginning teachers. The strategy includes a suite of initiatives designed to highlight the responsibilities of school leaders, district and regional staff and beginning teachers themselves in this critical phase of an employee’s career.’ - Beginning Teachers’ Community
Select Aspiring, Beginning, Establishing, Returning & Supply Teachers’ Community. ‘Set up to support teachers new to the profession as well as those more experienced who are interested in mentoring and sharing their wealth of knowledge and understandings about their work in schools.’ Part of ‘The Learning Place’. - BETA
Beginning and Establishing Teachers’ Association. ‘BETA strives to assist in maximising the effective induction of beginning and establishing teachers as professional educators in schools.’ While Queensland oriented, it also provides a wealth of other/general information.
Excellent ! - Employee Induction
Policy & Procedures for Education Queensland. This includes the Flying Start Induction Toolkit for Beginning Teachers. - New and Beginning Teachers
‘Resources for new teachers at the QTU Library.’
South Australia
- Beginning
Teachers Program
Information and contact details from Catholic Education. - Policies - Teacher Induction
‘This webpage is designed to identify the key policies and their location for new teachers.’ - Support for New and Beginning Teachers
‘The documents and links on this page are designed to support teachers in the early years of their careers.’ One area of the state’s response. Contact information. - Teacher Induction and Development
Information, resources, support and Contact Information.
Tasmania
- BeTTR
Beginning Teacher Time Release Program. ‘The purpose of time release will vary according to the needs of each beginning teacher, but may include : induction programs, ongoing feedback meetings, attendance at specific professional development programs, observation of experienced teachers, visiting other schools/colleges, … .’ - Goals & Benchmarks
Information, much in downloadable documents, with links to other aspects of the Tasmania Together Program.
Victoria
- Induction
‘Induction is one of the earliest stages within the continuum of teacher professional learning. It is about experienced and new teachers working together, continuously improving their practice and becoming part of a community of learners.’ This site includes a link to The Induction Guide, which ‘takes you through the three phases of induction’ and provides a viable framework for development. Check a Resources page for other useful information. - Induction in Effective Schools
Planning for Effective School-Based Induction]. ‘This resource aims to support the planning of effective school-based induction.’ - Mentoring
‘Mentoring offers individualised support to beginning and returning teachers.’ Introduction with a further link to a Teacher Mentor Support Program.
Western Australia
- Aspiring Teachers
‘Has a range of information that will acclimatise you with the internal structure and functions of the Department of Education and Training and teaching with them.’ - Induction [WA]
Links to information. - Induction Policy, available for download.
- Mentoring …
A Professional Learning Partnership. ‘Mentoring is a great vehicle to facilitate the transfer of skills, knowledge and school culture. Establishing a formal mentor program will acknowledge the importance principals place on ensuring that their new staff are fully supported during their early years.’ - Online Professional Support
For Graduate, Returning and Overseas Trained Teachers. ‘Professional Portfolios - Managing your career. New teachers are encouraged to develop a portfolio of work to use for professional learning and career advancement.’ Also suited to other beginning teachers.
Other Information
Books & Other Publications
- A Beginning Teacher’s Diary
‘Follow Sarah, a new teacher, as she plans for the new year.’ Covers the first six weeks. You now have to subscribe to access this section, though cost is minimal. - New-Teacher Toolbox
‘This is the book I wish I’d read before my first day in the classroom !’ US, but still applicable. Available through Amazon. Partly available through Google Books.
General Sites
- Beginning Teachers - Links
Annotated links to resources and sites [mostly US] from The Educator’s Reference Desk/ - Beginning Teacher Myths
‘Here is a short list of misconceptions that new teachers often bring to the classroom.’ NSW Teachers Federation. - First Years, Help for the New Teacher
Links to resources to help during this period. - Great Expectations …
Helpful Hints for Beginning Teachers. Article full of advice from Dr Jane Bluestein.
Research, Reports & Surveys
- An Ethic of Care …
[Effective Programmes for Beginning Teachers]
‘This report aims to improve the preparation and support of beginning teachers. It identifies principles and practices that effectively address their needs.’ Abstract, summary and PDF copy available. - Beginning Teacher Survey 2007
Document of both results and the report. - Case Studies Of Mentoring
In Beginning Teacher Induction Programs. Examples provided by the NSW Department of Education & Training, but not restricted to that state alone. - Critical Pedagogy For
Beginning Teachers
the Movement From Despair To Hope. A research paper by Barry Kanpol, St Joseph’s University. - Experiences
of Beginning Teachers
‘This report provides an analysis of an on-line survey hosted by the Joint Principals’ Associations. The survey was completed by 1 351 teachers, all of whom have less than three years of teaching service.’ Archived, but you can download a PDF Version from this site. - From students of teaching …
To Teachers of Students : Teacher Induction Around the Pacific Rim. >‘This report is based on the research conducted through three case studies of teacher induction - in Australia, Japan and New Zealand. The importance of teacher induction is made evident through the case studies, and various strategies including mentoring, support, professional development, models of good practice and appropriate intervention, are discussed at length.’ - Making Use of a Knowledge Building Community …
To Develop Professional Socialisation. ‘In this paper we describe how we trialled a new model of teacher education known as the Knowledge Building Community Project at the University of Wollongong. The purpose of this project is to explore the viability of a Knowledge Building Community as an alternative model for preservice teacher education.’ - Mentoring and Beginning Teachers’ Workplace Learning
Research paper by Rod Francis, Charles Sturt University. - Mentoring and Support Services
‘Mentoring new teachers is one way to ease the transition from college to classroom. If you are interested in learning about new teacher mentoring, and new teacher induction programs, the links are a great place to start.’ Covers multiple countries. - National Beginning Teacher Survey
‘The inaugural AEU National Beginning Teacher Survey was conducted over the later part of term 4 2005. It attracted 1 207 responses, providing insights into beginning teachers’ attitudes to key issues including teacher supply, employment modes, and professional issues like workload, induction/mentoring and behaviour management.’ - Retaining Effective Early Career Teachers
Article in Curriculum Leadership [Australia] on a study relating to this topic. - Teachers Mentor Program
Hansard Report from the NSW Parliament. - The Aspirations and …
Expectations of the New Generation of Teachers. Research discussion paper with bibliography. Includes other links.
Resources & Other Tools
- A
Checklist for Beginning Teachers
Done by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Canada. Geared around Before the First Day, On the First Day and Throughout the Year]. Simple, thought provoking and full of common sense. - Beginning Teacher Links
Select Beginning Teachers, then Click on General. Also check First Day Activities and a special page for Beginning Teachers. - Beginning Teacher Tips
- Beginning Teachers’ Tool Box
Extensive listing of resources and information. US developed. - General Information
‘Welcome, to the wonderful and rewarding world of teaching ! As a beginning teacher, you probably have many questions and concerns. On these pages we have tried to provide you with answers, advice, encouragement, and inspiration.’ - New Teachers Online
Part of the Teachers Network portal, designed to provide assistance for new teachers and those who work with them. US-based. - Resources for Beginning Primary School Teachers
‘This web site is a collection of links to other web pages that will be of help to primary teachers in all KLAs.’ University of New England.
There appear to be some problems with this site. It will be maintained only until the next update unless these are resolved. - The First Days of Of Middle School
Extensive annotated links in 3 major directories - Help for New Teachers, Discipline & Classroom Management and The First Days of Middle School [for all teachers].
Survival Guides
- Back-to-School Guide For Beginning Teachers
And Not-So-New Teachers Too !. ‘Education World has surfed deep into the Web to pull together this Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers - a virtual survival guide for educators about to begin their first year in the classroom or for classroom veterans who are always looking for fresh ideas !’ - Planning for Your First Day at School
Written by Linda Starr, Education World. While US-oriented, it still covers all the essentials to make your entry to teaching as good as possible. Common sense approach. - Survival Guide for New Teachers
Developed by the US Depoartment of Education, it contains a lot of useful things for you to consider. You can also download a PDF version from this site. - Survival Guide For new teachers at UTS
Different in that it applies to teachers at university level.Many topics are covered. Also visit their Survival Guide for New Academics page. - The Survival Guide for Beginning Primary School Teachers
This Australian book is Not Freeware but is based on one person’s experiences in Australian schools, from both sides of the situation. - What to Expect in Your First Year of Teaching
While a little dated [1998], and US based, much of the information is still applicable. US Department of Education. Also in PDF format.