Review of the Droichead teacher induction pilot programme

The Droichead pilot programme, which began in 2013, is designed to provide whole-school support for teacher induction in both primary and post-primary schools. The programme is innovative in a number of respects. It is led at school level by a Professional Support Team (PST) consisting of the principal, mentor(s) and other member(s), who have received training provided by the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) in relation to their roles and responsibilities. Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) in Droichead schools have support from a mentor and other members of the PST in the identification of their professional learning needs and in planning opportunities to address these needs. NQTs have the opportunity to observe and be observed by other teachers, and receive feedback on their teaching. NQTs also compile a learning portfolio which supports their learning and records their reflections on their learning. At the end of the process, the PST may make a recommendation to the Teaching Council that the Droichead condition be removed from a teacher’s registration. In this process, emphasis is placed on the progress made by the teacher in terms of his or her professional learning and practice.