The STARRS initiative provides funding of $900 per newly appointed TFI teacher to schools to support the cost to welcome and induct the appointee to their new school and local community.
In addition to the TFI teacher(s), the funding may support other newly appointed teachers within the school community.
Induction and mentoring can be vital in retaining suitable teachers. Retention of teachers can improve by as much as 85 per cent when they have a positive and engaging experience in induction processes and are working with well-trained mentors.
The Welcome and Induction Activity Funding will support Principals and school leaders to be proactive in supporting new appointees by:
Organising a welcome event with the school and colleagues to welcome the new appointee
Organising an induction day for the new teacher
In collaboration with the local community, providing strong induction and welcome programs, including programs for partners'/family members
Supporting their relocation, including finding appropriate housing
Ensuring they are well informed and adequately prepared to adapt to changes in living and working circumstances
Highlighting the advantages of living and working in the area
Supporting their integration into the local community
Providing structured support and links to professional networks
Providing high quality support such as mentoring and coaching which are especially important for early-career teachers, who may be over-represented in hard to staff schools.
For further information on how to plan the use of and seek reimbursement of the Welcome and Induction Activity Funding, please see STARRS Welcome and Induction Activity Funding Reimbursement Guidelines.
STARRS Gold Standard Induction Checklist