Why Teacher Induction Programs are Essential to Teacher Retainment
Undoubtedly, at the forefront of every educator’s mind today are the challenges facing education, especially the current state of students and chronic teacher shortage. Teacher dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, with increasing demands placed on them while support and compensation remain stagnant.
Entering the teaching profession can be both exhilarating and daunting. While new educators bring fresh perspectives and energy to classrooms, they often face numerous challenges navigating their early career years. Unable to cope with the pressure, some new educators abandon the field.
Retaining current teachers is as critical as recruiting new teachers. Given that 44% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years, teacher induction programs are essential. Without support, high turnover occurs, which negatively impacts student learning. Our schools need a stable cadre of teachers who feel supported and have a sense of community. In turn, this helps to create a positive learning environment for our young students.
Recognizing the essential need for support, National Louis University’s National College of Education (NCE) launched the Teacher Induction Program to provide a lifeline for our new teachers, empowering them to thrive in their profession. The program offers a comprehensive support system tailored to the unique needs of early career educators, aiming to foster professional growth, enhance classroom effectiveness, and ultimately improve teacher retention rates.
About 77% of teachers say they find their work stressful, while 68% indicate that they are overwhelmed. Teachers may be well prepared for classroom teaching through a rigorous course of study using well-researched practices and assessments, but the challenges teachers encounter daily in the classroom can be unpredictable. We also know that students and their families continue to struggle with emotional difficulties and the lingering effects of trauma due to the pandemic, which further complicates the role of the teacher.
At National Louis University, we believe in a lifelong connection with our graduates. We know that teachers experience greater rates of success when they are adequately supported and engage in professional communities. We designed the Teacher Induction Program to provide the support we know teachers need. as a demonstration of our commitment to the success of our newly licensed teachers as well as the field of education.
The program follows a professional learning community model, with monthly Zoom meetings for dialogue, collaboration, and professional development in key areas such as classroom management, engaging parents, self-care, diversity and equity, and best assessment practices. Resources related to the month’s topic are provided, and faculty is available for one-on-one support between meetings. Whether it’s a quick question via text or a phone call on the weekend, our faculty ensure that new teachers don’t feel isolated.
At the start of the program, one participant commented, “Had I known how hard this was, I never would have become a teacher.” By the end, this teacher felt reassured and more confident in her ability to continue in the profession. NCE faculty were enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to continue working with and mentoring our graduates.
Our hope is that every teacher graduate from our programs enrolls in the Teacher Induction Program. Following a thorough analysis of our first year, our plan is to expand the program. We also plan to include targeted support, affinity groups, and school visits to further enhance the support provided to our new teachers. We are invested in ensuring that every student has a well-qualified teacher that feels supported and remains in the profession.
This post was authored by Carolyn Theard-Griggs, Ed.D., Dean of the National College of Education.
