Induction Teacher

The majority of Induction Teachers in Northern Ireland are employed as supply teachers. For many this is on a day-to-day basis. It can, therefore, be difficult to stay passionate about a career that is uncertain and constantly changing as you move from school to school and class to class. However, it is important that you maintain the enthusiasm that first led you into the profession so that you can support effectively the students you teach.

This leaflet aims to provide ‘Early Career Teachers Supply Teaching' with information and tips on how best to navigate the ‘supply teaching’ situation and journey towards longer-term employment.

Education Authority

• Is the lead partner in Induction, the second stage after training in a teacher’s Career Long Professional Development (CLPD)
• Works alongside schools to support teachers through Early Professional Development (EPD), the third stage in a teacher’s CLPD
• Will provide you with guidance and support in relation to your individual circumstances
• Will liaise with you and your Teacher Tutor in school
• Provides courses for Early Career Teachers (Induction and EPD teachers) and Teacher Tutors

It is important that you register online with the Education Authority for Induction, EPD Year 1 or EPD Year 2:

Induction teachers and EPD teachers can access webinars and a range of materials on the EA website.

When you register online with the Education Authority, you will be provided with a link and a password which will enable you to apply for webinars/events. If you register to attend and are not able to, please advise the EA as soon as possible.

Turning Disadvantage into Advantage

In spite of the uncertain nature of subbing it does have a number of advantages, contributing to your holistic development as a teacher until more permanent work becomes available. Subbing is a time to:

• Reflect on the ethos of differing schools
• Experience a variety of classes throughout the key stages
• Experience differing classroom management and organisational styles
• Experience teaching in rural and urban contexts
• Experience a variety of socio-economic situations
• Develop an ability to assess personalities and learn names quickly
• Develop an ability to glide seamlessly into the life of a school
• Develop an ability to ‘hit the ground running’
• Develop a more informed understanding of your own teaching strengths and areas for development
• Test your own beliefs and values

As a supply teaching Early Career Teacher (whether you qualified in Northern Ireland or elsewhere) have you:

• Registered as an Induction or EPD (Year 1 and 2) teacher with the EA? (N.B. if you have completed the induction programme in England, Scotland, Wales or Republic of Ireland, you have completed the equivalent of EA induction programme and commence with EPD).
• Made contact with the EA induction and EPD team if you have any queries
• Kept the EA induction and EPD team aware of changing circumstances e.g. change of email
• Visited all possible schools within travelling distance and left an up-to-date, well presented CV?
• Begun your Induction or EPD portfolio by:
• Entering your Career Entry Portfolio (Induction) or Induction Summative Report (EPD)?
• Compiling a record of your teaching to date (with examples of lesson plans, pupil’s work etc.)?
• Keeping a record of your involvement in extra- curricular activities, as appropriate?
• Keeping a record of your attendance at EA courses, teaching union courses, online learning, observation of other colleagues etc.?

Notwithstanding the inconveniences and instability that subbing can bring, it can, conversely, provide rich opportunity for developing a wide breadth of experience. Take the good points from every school, class and teacher you meet and use them to become the dynamic and effective teacher you want to be. Use it as a time to develop high standards based on good practice.

In the case of subbing for an undetermined length of time e.g. two weeks “but it may be longer…” have you:

• Made the principal aware of your position and need to begin Induction or EPD if your contract is extended?
• Made contact with the school’s Teacher Tutor?
• Drawn attention to your Career Entry Profile?
• Drawn up a provisional Induction Action Plan or EPD Professional Development Activity (PDA) with the Teacher Tutor?
• N.B. It is possible to complete induction and EPD whilst subbing. You can identify a class that you are working with for a sustained period of time. You can complete one induction action plan (or EPD Professional development activity) in one school one action plan in another. You can do one action plan (or EPD PDA) in one phase and one in another. You can demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and most of all resilience.

Applying for Posts

Take the initiative and check out teaching union courses on preparing for interview, behaviour management etc. Select online learning courses e.g. Open University, Future learn, Coursera education resources. Network with colleagues to find out about possible teaching opportunities. Consider teaching in different phases to build up your experience e.g. nursery, special. Demonstrate whilst supply teaching the breadth of experience you have picked up and any work you have completed on induction or EPD.

If you obtain an interview, ask if there is an opportunity for candidates to visit the school beforehand. Familiarise yourself with the school development plan. Ensure you know the structures of the school and be aware that each school will be slightly different in its approach according to its ethos etc. Demonstrate your application of practice with pertinent anecdotes eg, dealing with a child identified with a special need in your classroom.

Demonstrate that you know you are part of a team and where to go for support within the school.

Contact Details for EA Early Career Teacher Team

Email: iepd@eani.org.uk

Website address: Early Career Teachers Induction and Early Professional Development

A Few Additional Suggestions:

• When you visit the school to leave in your CV observe a professional dress code
• Before you go to work in a school find out all you can about its strengths and its catchment area
• Look at the school website
• Ask if there is an information leaflet available for first time subs detailing the school day, collection of monies etc.
• Bring PE clothes in case that is on the timetable 
• Have a coat in case you are on playground duty or involved in outdoor learning
• Arrive in good time to become familiar with your classroom and to meet pupils as they arrive
• Follow any lesson plans that have been left to the best of your ability
• Mark all you have taught 
• Leave a note of the events of the day
• Leave the classroom tidy
• Always show enthusiasm, commitment and an affinity with pupils
• If in doubt, ask!

Good luck!