1.7.3 Induction

1.7.3 Induction

Droichead became the route of induction for all newly-qualified teachers

Droichead, one of the most significant developments in the early professional development of teachers in recent years, reached a significant milestone in the 2019/20 school year. The Droichead process, which was introduced by the Teaching Council in 2013, is designed to provide whole-school support for teacher induction at both primary and post-primary level. It replaced the inspection-based probationary process that had been part of the landscape of primary teachers’ careers for many years. Droichead includes school-based and additional professional learning activities to address the needs of teachers as they begin their careers. The process also enables the principal and teacher colleagues to engage with newly qualified teachers (NQTs) to support reflection on the NQT’s emerging professional practice.

During the period to which this report refers, Droichead was confirmed as the route of induction for all primary and post-primary NQTs and so the 2019/20 school year saw the ending of inspectors’ involvement in probationary inspections at primary level. This full implementation of professionally-led regulation within the Irish school system positions school communities in a space where shared professional responsibility is now the norm.44