How to successfully onboard new international teachers

As a leader at an international school, one of your most important responsibilities is to onboard new international teachers effectively. A successful onboarding process will not only help your new teachers settle into their roles more easily, but also increase the chances of their long-term success at your international school.

Research has shown that schools that implement a formal onboarding program see a 50% greater employee retention among new hires (Source: Harvard Business Review), saving your school both money and time.

By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your new teachers feel welcome, informed, and supported as they begin their new roles.

Step 1: Focus on pre-arrival communication

Before your new teachers and/or staff members arrive, it’s crucial to communicate with them clearly and frequently. This will help your new hires to feel prepared about what to expect. Here are some topics Schrole recommends covering:

Visa requirements – Be sure to explain the visa requirements for your country and provide guidance on how to obtain the necessary documentation. You should also provide a contact person who can answer any questions the new teachers may have about this process.

Flight details – Provide clear instructions on how to get from the airport to their housing. You may also want to consider arranging transportation or a pick-up service to make the process smoother.

Housing – Explain the housing options available and provide detailed information on the location, amenities, and cost. If your school provides housing, make sure new teachers have all the necessary information before they arrive.

Local customs – Explaining local customs to new expats is essential for them to assimilate into their new environment. Understanding the norms, values, and behaviours of the local culture can help expats avoid misunderstandings, social faux pas, and even conflicts. It also shows respect for the host culture and can help build positive relationships with locals.

Step 2: Create a welcome package

Providing a welcome package to new international teachers is an excellent way to make them feel valued and appreciated. The welcome package should include a letter from the school’s leadership team, information about the school’s history and mission, as well as a map of the school and local area. You can also include some small gifts, such as a school t-shirt or mug.

Step 3: Build an orientation plan

Orientation is a critical component of the onboarding process. As an international school, you should plan a detailed orientation that includes the following:

Introduction to the school – Provide an overview of the school’s mission, values, and culture. Be sure to highlight any unique aspects of your school that may be different from what the new teachers are used to.

Curriculum and teaching expectations – Explain the curriculum and teaching expectations at your school. Be sure to provide resources and support for new teachers who may be unfamiliar with the curriculum.

Technology and resources – Provide an overview of the technology and resources available to teachers, including how to access them.

Policies and procedures – Review important policies and procedures, such as attendance, grading, and communication with parents. Be sure to provide written materials that new teachers can refer to later.

Step 4: Pair you new international teacher with a mentor

Mentorship is an excellent way to help new hires navigate their roles and responsibilities. We recommend assigning a mentor to each new teacher, choosing an existing staff member who is familiar with the school’s culture and the new hire’s role and responsibilities. The mentor can provide guidance and support, helping your new international teacher navigate the curriculum, provide insight into the school’s expectations, and introduce them to the school’s community.

Step 5: Integration into the international school community

Social events – Plan social events for your new international teachers to meet other teachers and staff members. This could include welcome dinners, happy hours, or team-building activities.

Community resources – Provide information about community resources, such as local shops, restaurants, and events. This can help new teachers feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

Professional development – Provide opportunities for new teachers to engage in professional development activities, such as workshops or conferences. This can help them feel connected to the larger educational community and develop their skills.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your new international teachers feel welcome, supported, and prepared to make a positive impact at your school.

Step 5: Plan and encourage professional development

Professional development is critical for the success of new international teachers. You should provide opportunities for professional development that align with the school’s mission and curriculum. This can include workshops, conferences, and training sessions that will help the new teachers grow in their roles and stay up-to-date with the latest educational practices.

In addition to offering a full suite of HR software especially designed for international schools, Schrole is a fully audited Registered Training Organisation in Australia. In order to extend this expertise, Schrole Develop offers a range of contextualised leadership and management short courses derived from our Diploma of Leadership and Management qualification. Designed to help teaching staff take the step up into leadership roles within your school, topics include:

• Developing critical thinking in others
• Managing team effectiveness
• Establish an innovative school environment

Step 6: Regular, scheduled check-ins

Regular check-ins with new teachers are essential to their success. You should schedule regular meetings to check in on their progress, provide feedback, and offer support. This will help them your new hires to feel valued and supported, and it will also allow you to address any concerns or issues before they become problems.

Successful onboarding of new international teachers at your school requires careful planning and attention to detail. Remember that a successful onboarding process will benefit not only the new teachers but the entire school community.

Need help planning and perfecting your onboarding process? Check out Schrole Engage.