What is Induction?

Induction is a programme of teacher education which takes place during that critical period at the beginning of the newly qualified teacher’s career, usually the first year after qualifying as a teacher. Recognising the importance of the continuum of teacher education, induction aims to develop a culture of lifelong learning in each teacher. The purpose of an induction programme is to offer systematic professional and personal support to the newly qualified teacher. To date, participation by newly qualified teachers in the successful National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) has been voluntary.

Induction and Registration as a Teacher

In line with the Council having responsibility from September 2012 for the induction of teachers, the Council has decided that participation in a programme of induction workshops will be a requirement for all NQTs who complete their teacher education qualification in 2012 or are registered from 2 July 2012 under Regulation 2 (primary), Regulation 3 (Montessori and other categories) and Regulation 4 (post-primary including VECs).* This means that induction will be a condition of registration in the same manner as probation (primary teachers) and post-qualification experience (PQE) (post-primary teachers) are conditions of registration. Click here for more information about probation and PQE.

The Council believes this represents a positive development for NQTs and for teaching as a profession.

* The Council will consult with relevant stakeholders regarding the induction of new teachers in the Further Education sector.

National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT)

The programme will consist of 12 workshops, with each workshop taking place in the evening across all Education Centres throughout the country. NQTs will be required to attend all 12 workshops within three years of their date of registration. Once all twelve workshops have been completed, as certified by the Education Centres and notified to the Council, the relevant condition will be removed from the teacher’s registration status.

The workshop programme will continue to be coordinated by the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) and funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

The NIPT will continue to coordinate the in-school mentoring programme, to facilitate local or regional professional support groups and to offer professional support to NQTs via phone and email support and through its website.

NQTs who graduated in recent years and have been awarded conditional registration (with the condition of probation being applied) will be eligible to attend the workshops, should they so wish.

Further Information

For full information on the content and delivery of the National Induction Programme for Teachers, see www.teacherinduction.ie

How to apply?
To apply, contact your local Education Centre. See www.ateci.ie for a list of Education Centres.