An orientation program designed to assist new employees in settling into their new school and role benefits them immensely. However, there is always room for improvement in every program, and the traditional approach of a one-week orientation focused on compliance and PowerPoint has limited value. In this piece, we’ll look at the steps that schools can take on the first day of school and ensure that new teachers have a smooth transition.
Want to learn more about the 4Cs of Orientation? Read our detailed article: Breaking Down New Hire Orientation.
Pre-Arrival Preparation
To begin, schools must recognize that orientation begins even before teachers come. As a result, before their arrival, schools must make provisions for their housing, including temporary housing and airport transportation. Schools must also provide incoming teachers with an orientation packet that covers crucial areas of life at school, in the community, and in the country. This welcome packet will help newcomers feel more comfortable and prepared upon arrival. Having this in place before newcomers arrive can significantly ease their transition.
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
It is critical to make first-time visitors feel welcome. When they arrive, a school representative should greet them and assist with their transition to either temporary or permanent housing. A map, a local SIM card for their phone, and a note of welcome from the principal can all be included in a little welcome package sent to new teachers by schools. Before creating a bank account, newcomers may need to purchase food and other basics in local currency.
Days 2-5: Community Introduction
The first five days after a newcomer comes should be spent carefully introducing them to the community and satisfying their emotional needs. After engaging in scheduled events that introduce and expose them to both, it is vital to give new teachers time to contemplate and silently acclimatize to the new school and culture. When organizing activities such as going to local companies and doing some light shopping, the emotional requirements of newcommers should be considered.
Induction – Getting to know the school
On the sixth day, concentrate on establishing new friends at school. Before the group begins debating how they can be achieved, schools can identify themselves and their mission and vision statements. It’s also critical to teach newcomers the fundamentals of the school system and what’s expected of them in terms of behavior and academic success. Because of the novelty of a new school, the first day is an excellent chance to review all of the safety precautions that have been implemented. A school trip is recommended. Someone should also provide a brief school background substantiated by relevant documents such as yearbooks.
On the seventh day, attempt to gain a sense of the entire school. Schools should provide a thorough introduction to general procedures for teachers and supporting programs, such as how to produce paper copies, where to receive curricular aid, and any grading and attendance apps. In addition, it is critical to provide an overview of the curriculum structure and accessible materials.
Checklist for Orientation
Before Arrival:
- Housing arrangements, including temporary housing, should be made.
- Transportation from the airport should be arranged.
- Orientation packets that include useful information about the school, the community and the country should be provided.
Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome:
- Staff members should be met at the airport by a school representative who welcomes them and helps with transportation to their temporary or permanent housing.
- Schools can provide a small welcome package with valuable items like a map, a local SIM card for their phone, and a welcome letter from the head of the school.
Days 2-5 – Community Introduction:
- Plan activities that introduce and expose newcomers to the new school and culture.
- Be sensitive to the emotional needs of newcomers and give them time to process and quietly acclimate.
Day 6 – Induction – Getting to Know the School:
- Provide an overview of the school, including the mission and vision statements.
- Explore foundational aspects that relate to newcomers.
- Go over safety procedures and conduct a school tour.
- Provide a short history of the school.
Day 7 – Induction – Understanding the Wider School:
- Give newcomers a deep dive into general procedures for teachers and supporting programs.
- Provide an overview of how the curriculum is put together and the available resources.
Day 8 – Induction:
- Provide information on newcomers’ particular roles.
- Leadership and support staff should be available for questions.
- Provide time for reflection and planning.
Finally, improving school orientation programs is critical for making new hires feel welcome and included. Schools may help new employees feel more at ease and prepared for success by providing an orientation that begins the day they are employed. Orientation is an opportunity for new staff to develop a sense of community and belonging, which benefits the school and its pupils. School teacher orientation programs should be altered and updated regularly to suit the interests of present and future employees. Schools may improve the lives of their employees by fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and encourages all employees to participate.
Consider All Your Onboarding Options
Now that you understand the importance of orientation in your onboarding plan, you should take the time to consider how best to deliver it. Onboard360 was built from the ground up for international teacher onboarding.