Systemic Teacher Induction and Mentoring: What We Can Learn From New Zealand

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: International Considerations for Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Abstract

As the United States faces another teacher shortage- one that will harm marginalized communities- it is time to rethink teacher induction. Popular imagination holds that public schools are failing because bad teachers have become entrenched. In reality, the problem lies with good teachers, whom public schools struggle to develop and retain. While research has largely identified aspects of quality teacher mentoring, this study focuses on what it takes to create effective teacher induction systems. Using observation, interviews, textual analysis, and other qualitative methods, this study examines New Zealand’s longstanding teacher induction system, and compares it with failed induction programs in the Chicago Public Schools. It indicates what changes in structure, funding, and scheduling might improve American induction systems.

Authors

• Anne Speirs Yates, Victoria University of Wellington

• Beth Burkhart, Our family recently moved to Texas and I'm staying at home with our baby for now.