How does
the Pathwise Induction Program lower the turnover
rate among new teachers?
Research
Summary
In order
to be successful, teachers must have support throughout
their beginning years of teaching. Some beginning
teachers believe that once they receive a teaching
degree, they automatically know how to enter into
a classroom and deal with the daily problems that
occur. Many beginning teachers enter into the classroom
and encounter stress and problems ranging from classroom
management to dealing with students with diverse
socioeconomic and intellectual backgrounds. They
begin the day with a well-planned lesson, super
creative projects, and positive thoughts; however,
they still encounter critical times in the classroom.
What can educators do to save the beginning teacher?
In my
research, mentors observed a group of new teachers
from the beginning of the school year until the
end. This study examines ways and means for beginning
teachers to gain a more collaborative relationship
with a mentor throughout their first year of teaching.
These teachers reflect on their success and the
instructional experiences used for students on a
daily basis.
The Pathwise
Induction Program was designed to meet the needs
of a beginning teacher in the areas of instruction
and student learning. It is an evolving program
in which mentors give input, reflect, and give immediate
feedback to beginning teachers in an encouraging
and nurturing way, a service that plays a key role
throughout the first year of teaching.
In the
induction program I examined three domains that
became vital components of the professional practice:
Planning and Preparation, The Classroom Environment,
and Instruction. The induction process is based
on a cycle of Plan, Teach, Reflect, and Apply. In
this program, I made an informal observation of
the beginning teacher’s classroom, followed by reflective
conversations to discuss problems observed in the
classroom. Next, I gathered information from readings
and colleagues. Finally, mentors developed a plan
of focus for the beginning teacher. Together they
identified resources that helped develop skills
to improve teaching. Both the mentor and the beginning
teacher discussed teaching activities over a period
of four to six weeks.
I have
discovered that the most effective beginning teacher
will need daily support from the faculty. I believe
mentors’ ultimate goal is to improve their effectiveness
and help beginning teachers accomplish their goals,
move toward excellence in teaching, and continue
to become an accomplished professional in the future.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Beginning
teachers can and will succeed if they use proven
research-based practices.
- We
as educators must offer help during the new teachers’
crucial beginning year.
- Through
the induction program, instructional practices
can achieve desired results within the classroom
….
|