Teachers' welcome day

A welcome day is held at the beginning of the year for our new public school teachers. Around three hundred new teachers attend the event each year . This event provides you with an informative and interactive introduction to working for the Department.

At the welcome day you will have the opportunity to meet with other new teachers, and district and central office staff who provide support services to your school.  You will also be able to access resources that will help you begin your teaching career in public schools.  

Teachers who are appointed prior to the welcome day are sent an invitation to attend this event.

Induction

Graduate Teacher Induction Program

During your first two years of teaching you will be supported by the Professional Learning Institute (PLI) through its Graduate Teaching Induction Program. There are two elements to this program:

1. The Graduate Teacher Professional Learning Program which teachers attend during their first two years. The program follows the Competency Framework for Teachers. It is designed so you can develop your own philosophy of how students learn and acquire an extensive repertoire of effective learning strategies. As a new teacher you will gain support from meeting and sharing their concerns with other new teachers so you can be reassured that you are not the only who may be experiencing difficulties in your first year.
   
   Sessions are available during the term and school holidays. Payments will be made if you need to attend in your own time.
    
2. The Graduate Teacher In-Class Coaching Program assigns an experienced teacher to you during your first year of teaching. These 25 hours of one to one coaching provides you with non-judgemental support on any aspect of your professional practice and to provide feedback.

Local Induction

You will be provided with an induction at your school to help you settle into your new work environment. This will enable you to meet other staff members, tour the school, identify facilities and learn about school policies and procedures.

You will also be introduced to local support networks through your local district office.

Additional financial support

To support your professional development during your first two years as a teacher you will receive an additional allowance of up to $1,600 a year. This is a contribution towards the personal and professional costs involved in establishing yourself in the profession.

Additional non contact time

In your first year of teaching you are entitled to additional non contact hours or DOTT (duties other than teaching) time for planning, preparation, meetings with mentors and participation in professional learning (with priority being given to the Graduate Teacher Professional Learning Program). This time amounts to half a day per fortnight, or 2.5 days a term.

Welcome Manual 2009 - a guide for new public school teachers

The Welcome Manual is updated annually to provide you with key information about teaching in one of our public schools.

It is not designed to be a definitive guide but will direct you to resources, tips and support you may find useful as you enter your profession.

The manual is aimed principally at classroom teachers, however some information also applies to school psychologists.

Download a copy of the manual (pdf 3MB).