Top 5 strategies to keep your new international teachers engaged

As an international school leader, it’s likely you’re already familiar with the challenges of keeping new internal teachers and faculty engaged and motivated. A teacher who is not engaged can quickly become disenchanted, leading to a lack of productivity, absenteeism, and even resignation.

At Schrole, we work with a mission to raise the standard of education worldwide. And nothing creates better learning environments than engaged teachers. In this blog, we’ve listed our top strategies that can help you keep your new international teachers engaged.

Strategy 1: Provide a comprehensive orientation program

The first few weeks for a new international teacher or faculty member at your school are critical. It’s essential to provide a comprehensive orientation program that introduces your new hire to the school’s culture, values, policies, and procedures.

During the orientation, provide opportunities for new teachers to meet with other teachers, administrators, and support staff to establish relationships and build connections.

Strategy 2: Assign a mentor or buddy

Pairing a new international teacher or faculty member with an experienced mentor or buddy can go a long way in making your new hire feel welcome and supported.

Your chosen mentor can help the new international teacher or faculty member navigate the school’s systems and procedures, provide insights into the school culture and community, and offer guidance on how to engage students and improve instructional practices.

Strategy 3: Offer professional development opportunities

International teachers are often looking for opportunities to develop their skills and enhance their professional growth. Providing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses, can help new teachers stay engaged and motivated.

Encourage new teachers to attend local cultural events, join professional organizations, and participate in community activities.

Strategy 4: Create opportunities for collaboration

Collaboration with other teachers is critical to a new international teacher’s success. Encourage new teachers to participate in curriculum planning, team-teaching, and peer observation to foster collaboration and build relationships with other teachers.

Create opportunities for new teachers to share their ideas and perspectives with their colleagues and celebrate their achievements.

Strategy 5: Provide feedback and recognition

Providing regular feedback and recognition can help new teachers stay engaged and motivated. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their progress, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate their successes.

Recognise their efforts and contributions in staff meetings, newsletters, and other school-wide communications.

Keeping new international teachers engaged requires effort, creativity, and commitment. By employing the above strategies, you can ensure that your new teachers feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute to your school’s success.