West Dunbartonshire Council currently employs 44 primary and 27 secondary probationers under the one-year Teacher Induction Scheme for session 2010-11. All probationer teachers are guaranteed a one-year training contract with a maximum class commitment of 0.7 FTE (full time equivalent), the remaining time is available for professional development.
Supporters
All of our probationers are allocated a supporter who is an experienced member of staff. The probationers highlight the benefits of having regular planned meetings with their supporters. This process allows the probationers to seek advice and guidance as well as reflect upon their own practice.
All probationers have nine focused classroom observations over the session and are given relevant feedback. Supporters are able to negotiate and support the probationer with their individual professional development activities. Probationers are encouraged to work cooperatively with colleagues and extend their experience beyond the classroom. All of our supporters have completed comprehensive training.
Training
The authority provides a comprehensive continuing professional development programme, which includes core, opt in and twilight sessions. The training is well received, the probationers find the sessions to be both practical and relevant. The sessions involve experienced practitioners and authority staff, members of SMT, principal teachers, class teachers and probationer teachers sharing their expertise and good practice.
Materials produced to support these sessions are of a high standard and again very well received. These are full of practical advice, providing opportunities for further research and guidance.
Evaluations at the end of the session indicate that the majority of probationers feel well prepared to take on full teaching responsibilities next session. We try to retain a significant number of last years teachers who participated in the induction scheme on permanent, short term, long term or supply contracts.
Further Information
For further information regarding probationer teachers please contact:
Margaret Mckay
Telephone: 01389 738238
