Givan launches new induction programme to support newly qualified teachers
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced a major expansion of the early career teacher induction programme for the 2025/26 academic year.
This marks a key milestone in the Department of Education’s TransformED Strategy, aimed at strengthening teacher professional learning and support across Northern Ireland.
Paul Givan said:
“A high-quality induction programme is essential to ensuring that our newest teachers enter the profession with the confidence and the support they need to thrive.
“This enhanced programme will help our early career teachers to set high expectations and it will support them to plan and deliver well-structured lessons, adapt their teaching to meet the needs of all learners, and use assessment effectively to inform practice.
“Today’s announcement represents a clear commitment from my Department to support teachers from the very beginning of their careers and to ensure excellence in classrooms across Northern Ireland.
“The 2025/26 programme is just the first stage. In the coming years, we will build on this foundation with a bespoke online training course and further professional development opportunities.”
The expanded induction programme, co-ordinated by the Education Authority (EA), will include a comprehensive mix of online and face-to-face training sessions for newly qualified teachers. Key areas of focus will include Special Educational Needs (SEN), literacy and numeracy, behaviour management, and the science of learning. The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) will also deliver a series of improvement-focused sessions aimed at empowering early-career teachers.
Teacher tutors will also benefit from increased support and resources as part of the 2025/26 roll-out. Feedback from schools will play a central role, with ETI leading an evaluation to inform future developments of the induction model.
Paul Givan concluded:
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to all school leaders, teacher tutors, and practitioners who continue to support the development of our newest teachers. Your dedication is vital to the success of our education system and the futures of our children and young people.”
Notes to editors:
1. The enhanced induction programme is a key action under the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for excellence in teaching and learning from Initial Teacher Education through to school leadership.
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