More newly qualified teachers are leaving primary schools – support scheme proposed
An increasing number of newly qualified teachers choose to leave primary schools shortly after their employment, causing concern in the education sector. The Danish Union of Teachers believes that a mentor or support scheme could help alleviate the problem. Gordon Ørskov Madsen, chairman of the Danish Union of Teachers, suggests that newly qualified teachers should be offered support when starting their job in primary schools. The proposal comes in light of a recent analysis from the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions, which shows that newly qualified teachers are leaving primary schools faster than their more experienced colleagues.
“The new teachers have fewer tools and less experience to draw upon, making them vulnerable. Therefore, there is a need for mentor support and help to get off to a good start,” says Gordon Ørskov Madsen. He points out two main reasons why newly qualified teachers are leaving primary schools. Firstly, the job has become more complex. More students are unhappy, have difficulty finding peace in their daily lives, and cause disruptions in the classroom. Secondly, primary schools are facing inclusion challenges, where teachers often find themselves alone with students who require special educational support without receiving the necessary assistance.
According to the Danish Union of Teachers, support schemes could be a solution to these challenges and help retain newly qualified teachers in primary schools.