Mentoring program for early career teachers in the Northern Territory

In an initiative designed to reduce the attrition rate which can be as high as 50% in the first five years, the NT Dept of Education has launched a mentoring program to support teachers in the early stages of their career.

Announcing the program while visiting Maningrida School in Arnheim Land, 550km East of Darwin, Minister for Education Eva Lawler said: "The Territory Labor Government believes that to successfully recruit and retain quality teachers, we need to provide support in the early stages of their career and continue that right throughout.

“We have some amazingly talented teachers in the Territory, this package will ensure our early career teachers are able to benefit from their years of experience."

The Teacher Induction and Mentoring resources are divided into three stages:

• Prior to commencement: information and resources can be accessed before taking up a teaching post to help teachers become familiar with the school and community
• On arrival: information on the local induction process and the department’s central orientation program to help teachers transition into their new position
• Ongoing support: continuing support includes professional learning, formal mentoring and networking opportunities.

The resources include: 

• A Teacher’s Guide to Effective Mentoring
• Online mentor and mentee training
• Local induction planner template
• Local induction for teachers in remote schools: guidelines for principals
• Remote Teacher Guide: Living and teaching in remote Northern Territory communities

Information has also been prepared for principals and leadership teams who play a central role in supporting new teachers and providing direction for meeting Northern Territory Teacher Registration Board requirements.

The Teacher Induction Resources are available at www.education.nt.gov.au