The challenge of teacher recruitment and retention is a persistent struggle for headteachers globally. At International Schools Partnership (ISP) Malaysia, we’re evolving the way we support, train and retain our incredible teachers and leaders!
Welcome to the era where on-boarding is never ‘done.’ It’s a continuous, engaging, transformative journey, not a one-off or one-week event! On-boarding is no longer just a process – it’s an inspiring journey. It’s about constantly engaging, growing, adapting and igniting passion. No more ‘induction done’ – we’re redefining the process with higher retention rates, swift integration, soaring productivity and satisfying job experiences. We’re crafting a vibrant school culture early on – where every colleague thrives, and every learner’s curiosity is ignited.
Coming up in this blog series:
Part 1: Unpacking the innovation in ISP Malaysia’s on-boarding.
Part 2: Exploring the crucial role of expert leaders in our pilot programme’s success.
Part 3: Working hand-in-hand with schools, regional and central teams to craft a sustainable, blended professional programme.
It’s crucial to recognise the significance of being innovative in this process, reflecting on the positives and negatives to previous years, identifying and closing the gaps and keeping employees motivated and charged up for their new roles in their new environment.
Why Innovate Our On-boarding Programme?
Our New Teacher to ISP Malaysia on-boarding programme now consists of three dynamic parts:
- Regional Orientation and Induction: A vibrant 3-day event hosted by ISP Regional before individual school inset days.
- 12-month Inspirational Hybrid Programme: Featuring facilitated sessions, visits, and expert guidance.
- Virtual Group Coaching Sessions and School-based Mentoring and CPD.
Why do we invite new teachers from nine campuses together before they join their own school orientation?
Why this approach? Why now? Here’s a peek:
Shared Ideas and Early Momentum:
At ISP we put learners and their learning first from day one. The induction creates an opportunity to demonstrate that everyone at an ISP school is a learner with the power to take ownership of their learning and support the learning of others. From day one, the tone is set.
Investing time, training and budget to our new teachers at an event, bringing them together from across the country gives an early indication how much we value the importance of high-quality professional development.
The 3-day face-to-face induction gave opportunity to share our values, organisational culture and our shared ideas all about learning. But it doesn’t stop there!
And no matter how keen a mind is, it has a limit to how much new knowledge it can process in a given amount of time. Programme sessions are short, manageable and interactive. Key takeaways, reflection time, plenty of modelling best practice and repeated experiences are purposefully built in to manage that overwhelming feeling.
Lightening the Load for Schools:
Leaders from our region have helped to craft the programme content, addressing common gaps and boosting confidence for new recruits arriving at school for the first time.
Inductions will vary between our schools, so the regional induction and programme support and complement what our schools already deliver, meaning leaders can use their time efficiently to consolidate the key messages – allowing schools to prepare for the new term.
Creating a Sense of Belonging:
The pilot paves the way for connections, shared learning experiences and community, fostering a sense of belonging.
Schools returning for the start of their year will be providing buddy systems and social events to integrate their new staff. Sure, there will be several cringeworthy icebreakers and there will be a lot to take in, but having attended the regional induction, there won’t be quite so much cognitive overload.
Blended and Connected Learning:
New teachers will continue to grow with our new regional programme, over the next twelve months. Our ISP Learning Hub platform will be one of their first ports of call, a collaborative online space where learning is a shared journey.
In partnership with our Regional Learning Team and our experts in schools, our new teachers will be supported and encouraged through a carefully constructed hybrid programme.
As part of the family there will be plenty of additional professional development opportunities to get involved with. (More to come in another blog!)
Wrapping Up:
This innovative approach to on-boarding keeps the team motivated, engaged, and ready to grow confident learners and leaders. As a pilot programme it does not yet provide credits or a qualification that has extrinsic value. Feedback, reflection, and continuous improvement will lead us to even more exciting learning opportunities for all.
So, what do you think? Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas – because we’re all in this learning journey together.
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