The European Commission has just published a handbook for policy-makers who wish to provide better support to new teachers during their first years in the profession.

Teacher education experts from EU countries have worked with the Commission to produce this practical guide which leads policy-makers step-by-step towards implementing induction programmes for beginning teachers.

Currently, in over half of all EU countries, new teachers are left to face the reality 'shock' of school and classroom alone and unsupported. For some, this is such a stressful time that they leave the profession.

By providing systematic professional and personal support, national authorities can help newly qualified teachers to gain in confidence and hone their teaching skills. This helps not only to get their careers off to a good start, but also to retain them in the profession, and thereby to improve the quality of teaching.

For the new handbook experts reviewed the latest research evidence and compared policies in several EU countries. It does not propose a single model, but highlights those basic conditions that need to be met to ensure the success of induction programmes. Case studies are used to illustrate the key aspects of induction programmes.

Handbook for policymakers

(EUropa News)