Droichead: The Integrated Professional Induction Framework
‘…induction is a distinct phase, a socialisation process into the professional learning community of the school and into the profession…’ (Teaching Council, 2017)
What is Droichead?
Droichead is an integrated professional induction framework designed to support the professional learning of Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) during induction, thus laying the foundations for subsequent professional growth and learning for the next phase of their career
To fulfil the Droichead condition, an NQT must:
Complete a period of professional practice in an eligible setting
Engage in the Droichead process, which includes a combination of both school-based induction and additional professional learning activities in collaboration with their Professional Support Team (PST)
Complete a joint declaration Declaration from the NQT that s/he is ready to move to the next phase of their professional learning, and have collaborated with the PST to identify the area(s) of interest for his/her future professional learning. And a joint declaration of the NQT and PST that they have participated in a quality teaching and learning process
What is a PST?
The Professional Support Team (PST) is a team of fully registered teachers, ideally with five years’ experience, which can include the principal, who work collaboratively to support and mentor the NQT during school-based induction, in the first stages of their professional journey. Schools may form a school PST or an inter-school PST or they may invite one external PST member to join the internal school staff.
What is school based induction?
Any professional activity/conversation at school level which affords the teacher an opportunity to reflect on professional practice and adapt and modify that practice accordingly. e.g. professional conversations with a mentor/member of PST/other colleagues on teaching and learning, observation of teaching and learning and a range of other induction activities.
What are the steps involved for NQTs in the Droichead process?
NQTs are advised to:
Ensure that they are registered with the Teaching Council
Speak with the principal and/or mentor about the Droichead process in their school/at interview
NQTs in a Droichead school, should apply to begin the Droichead process via ‘My Registration’ portal on the Teaching Council website.
Inform the PST when they have received the confirmation email from the Teaching Council.
Confirm dates and times of Cluster Meetings at your local education centre and register to attend.
Is Droichead an evaluative process?
Droichead is a non-evaluative process. The Droichead standards outlined below support and guide a consistent Droichead process.
Through their engagement in the Droichead process, the NQT will:
have engaged professionally with the school-based induction and additional professional learning activities
have shown their professional commitment to quality teaching and learning for their pupils / students
have engaged in reflective practice that supports their professional learning, and practice, both individually and collaboratively
