by Parvana Guliyeva
Building Bridges: The Role of Leadership and How Induction Week Programs Shape a School’s Culture and Embrace Diversity
A New Beginning
The start of every academic year is filled with excitement, anticipation, and new opportunities – not just for students, but also for the educators and all stakeholders who join a new school community. In my first presentation at my new school, I emphasised that no matter our previous experiences, starting in any new country and school is always a new beginning which inducts a person into an entirely new community. During this time, school leaders play a crucial role in ensuring new members of staff feel welcomed, supported, and ready to contribute to the school’s mission and start strong. The induction week, when carefully organised by school leaders, becomes the cornerstone for fostering a positive and sustainable school culture. The induction week sets the tone for all that lies ahead.
The Role of Effective Induction in Building School Culture
First, let’s define effective staff induction. “Induction is the process of welcoming newly recruited employees and helping them adjust to their new roles and working environments.” A successful induction is not just about orienting new staff to logistics and policies; it’s about knitting them into the fabric of the school’s culture. The induction process truly begins immediately after the hiring phase, making it the first significant interaction new staff have with their leaders and colleagues. The impression left during this time is lasting, and it reflects the school’s commitment to communication, inclusivity and support. Based on feedback from numerous colleagues, the caring and competent nature exhibited by a school’s leaders and administrators frequently becomes a topic of discussion and helps establish the general atmosphere for subsequent interactions.
Organising an effective induction process is a huge undertaking, requiring thoughtful reflection and continuous improvement year on year. There is always something new for school leaders to consider—whether it’s fine-tuning the schedule to allow for more meaningful interactions or integrating feedback from previous years to enhance the experience. The ideal induction experience is not just about logistics; it is also about creating time and space where new staff can feel a sense of belonging from the very start.
Integrating New Staff into School Culture and Building a Strong Community
As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that the induction process not only introduces new staff to the operational aspects of the school but also immerses them in the school’s values and cultural ethos. This becomes even more critical in international schools, where new joiners may come from all over the world, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives. We often- and should- take pride in the multicultural education we offer, highlighting the multitude of nationalities and languages spoken within our school communities. But beyond celebrating diversity, we must actively work to integrate it into the everyday life of the school. Allowing time for current staff to get to know new staff properly- for example, using buddy systems just as we might with new students- reflects an international mindset, where everyone is welcomed into the school community. Organising team-building programs where existing staff interact with new staff and spend time building connections can foster teamwork within your school. Welcoming new staff as individuals ensures a more authentic induction into the school’s philosophy, curriculum, local culture, parental culture, policies, and procedures. By doing so, we not only set our new staff up for success but also strengthened the very foundation of our internationally-minded school community. Scheduling regular check-ins, both formal and informal, and asking new staff for their feedback after a few weeks at the school will continue to nurture a positive school culture.
Figure 1.
Recognising and Leveraging the Strengths of New Hires
One of the most important aspects of leadership during the induction process is recognising the potential contributions of each new hire. It’s not enough to simply welcome them; leaders must also take the time to understand how each individual can contribute to the school’s success. Certainly, new staff members bring a wealth of experience, skills, and fresh perspectives that can significantly benefit any school community. As leaders, we understand that not all teachers have the same experience- but we must take the extra step to harness this. I always prepare an activity called, “I wish my workshop leader knew…” which allows me to be aware of what and how participants could contribute during workshops and professional development. By understanding the unique contributions that each new educator can make, leaders can more effectively harness their potential, aligning their talents with the school’s mission and strategic objectives. This will enhance the school’s overall success and empower new staff members, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging from the very beginning.
New staff may come from different curricula or be new to teaching. It’s crucial to provide tailored support during induction that meets each educator’s unique needs, ensuring they can thrive and contribute effectively to the school community. Leaders should engage with new hires through various strategies, such as filling out forms to learn about their strengths, passions, and ideas and finding ways to integrate these into the school’s broader goals. Additionally, actively involving new hires in school events helps them feel included, leading to further integration and adaptation.
During the first term, scheduling a formal check-in with the Head of School ensures new staff feel welcomed and supported. Gathering feedback after the induction process and at various points across the school year helps evaluate their experience and identifies areas for improving not just the induction process, but also the wider school culture.
Fostering Relationships and Collaboration from Day One
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning and achieving an effective induction process. Each school has its own unique culture, shaped by its history, community, and vision. However, there are many ways to embrace diversity and promote a positive school culture. What’s important is that we, as leaders, remain committed to nurturing an environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered to contribute.
An effective induction week lays the groundwork by providing new educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their new school. It’s more than just handing out schedules and showing them where the staff room and classrooms are. It’s about fostering relationships, encouraging open communication, and promoting a culture of collaboration and mutual respect from the start. When new staff members feel supported and included from the outset, they are more likely to engage fully in the life of the school, bringing their unique talents and perspectives to the table.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the role of leadership in organising and executing a successful induction week cannot be overstated. Creating a fine balance between logistics and genuine integration of new staff reflects a school’s commitment to building a strong, cohesive, and inclusive community. As leaders, we must continue to reflect on and improve this process each year, ensuring that it aligns with our dedication to fostering a positive school culture. By doing so, we are fully embracing the diversity that makes international schools such vibrant and enriching places to learn and work.
References:
Teaching Quality/Induction Programs for New Teachers, www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/76/65/7665.pdf. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“The Ultimate Guide to New Teacher Orientation – MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers.” MTI: Professional Development Courses & Graduate CE for Teachers – Nationally Accredited Graduate Courses, 3 July 2023, www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-new-teacher-orientation/.
International Teaching Jobs, International School Jobs | TIC Recruitment. “What to Expect during Induction Week at Your New International School.” What Happens in a School Induction Week? | TIC Recruitment | International Teaching Jobs, International School Jobs | TIC Recruitment, www.ticrecruitment.com/blog/induction-week-at-new-international-school. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
Tissot, Emeline. “Improving the Induction of New Staff in International Schools.” ISC Research, 1 June 2023, iscresearch.com/improving-the-induction-of-new-staff-in-international-schools/.
Drake, Graham. “NCTQ: Blog: Investing in New Teacher Orientation and Mentoring Can Produce Long-Term Benefits.” National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), 14 Sept. 2023, www.nctq.org/blog/Investing-in-new-teacher-orientation-and-mentoring-can-produce-long–term-benefits.
Parvana Guliyeva is the Primary Math Coach, Canadian International School of Hefei
To connect with Parvana on LinkedIn, click here
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