The commencement of mandatory Induction for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) is in keeping with the provisions of the 2001 Teaching Council Act and fulfils a key element of my Department's Literacy and Numeracy Strategy which states that Induction would be mandatory by September of this year.
The Induction workshops which the Deputy refers to are designed to complement the learning and development that the NQT gained during their initial teacher training in college. The workshops focus on priority issues and challenges that arise for NQTs, and are intended to equip them with a range of effective strategies and skills that can be readily implemented in day-to-day classroom practice, across a range and variety of school contexts. The workshops also provide networking opportunities and the professional support needed in making the transition from student to teacher. The National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) develops and designs the workshops and the content of the workshops is reviewed on an ongoing basis, having regard to feedback received from NQTs and consultation with Colleges of Education. As the workshop programme evolves and develops, it is expected that the workshops will gradually introduce blended e-learning elements, as appropriate. The face-to-face elements of the workshop programme will continue to be an important feature of the NIPT programme.
NQTs have three years to attend the twelve workshops and achieve full registration. NQTs can complete all workshops in any one of the three years, or spread their attendance at the workshops over the course of the three years. In certain extenuating circumstances, the Teaching Council may grant an extension to the three years.
There is no fee applicable for attendance at the NQT workshop programme as these costs are covered by the Department of Education and Skills. The Teaching Council receives no income from the Induction programme.
