Teaching can be an immensely rewarding profession, but it can also be overwhelming, particularly for newly qualified teachers (NQTs). Therefore, it’s vital to have a robust induction process in place to support and guide NQTs through their first year of teaching. Below is a comprehensive checklist to ensure your NQT induction runs smoothly and effectively.
1. Pre-induction preparations
a. Organize a welcome pack containing school policies, procedures, and essential documents for the NQT.
b. Arrange and schedule a mentorship program for ongoing support throughout the induction period.
c. Develop a timetable outlining training sessions and observation opportunities.
d. Assign a workspace and provide necessary resources such as textbooks, stationery, and access to online resources.
2. Orientation
a. Provide a tour of the school premises, covering key areas like staffrooms, classrooms, restrooms, and resource centers.
b. Introduce the NQT to key staff members including senior leaders, department heads, colleagues in their subject area or year group as well as administrative and support staff.
c. Explain the school’s ethos and values, highlighting how these are embedded in everyday practice.
d. Outline expectations pertaining to dress code, punctuality, attendance, absence reporting, and communication channels.
3. Mentoring and support
a. Set up regular one-to-one meetings with the NQT’s designated mentor for reflections on their progress and addressing any concerns or areas of development.
b. Schedule classroom observations followed by constructive feedback sessions between the NQT and their mentor.
c. Offer regular peer observation opportunities for the NQT to learn from experienced colleagues.
d. Provide access to network support groups or forums where fellow NQTs can exchange ideas and experiences.
4. Professional development
a. Arrange subject-specific training sessions tailored to the needs of the NQT.
b. Conduct whole school training sessions covering topics such as classroom management, differentiation, assessment, safeguarding, and pastoral care.
c. Provide opportunities for continued professional development through attending external conferences, workshops or courses relevant to their role.
5. Review and tracking progress
a. Monitor the NQT’s progress by setting and reviewing targets in collaboration with their mentor.
b. Document these reviews in a formal induction plan that outlines professional growth benchmarks.
c. Organize termly formal assessments involving senior leadership to evaluate the NQT’s overall progress against agreed-upon objectives.
6. Celebrating success
a. Offer praise and recognition for the achievements of the NQT throughout their induction year.
b. Encourage NQTs to share their successes with peers through networking opportunities or school-wide events.
c. Plan an end-of-year celebration to acknowledge and reward the efforts made by the NQT during their first year of teaching.
In conclusion, a well-structured and comprehensive NQT induction program is instrumental in supporting newly qualified teachers’ transition into the profession. This checklist ensures that all aspects of a successful induction process are in place, leading to confident, competent, and satisfied teachers ready to make a difference in the lives of their students.
