Back to old school for some as new teachers take up their posts
Some of Inverclyde Council’s newly qualified teachers are going back to school in a very real sense – teaching in the classrooms they were taught in as children.
Eleven secondary probationers and 19 primary probationers are completing their induction year in Inverclyde this year.
The 29 probationers came together to be welcomed by Education & Communities Vice Convener Councillor James McColgan at the Enterprise Centre in Port Glasgow’s new Community Campus.
He said: “We often forget that while hundreds of children start primary or secondary school for the first time there is also a new intake of teaching staff. They have all worked extremely hard to get their teaching degrees and will now gain that vital first years’ experience in Inverclyde which I am sure will be a rewarding and a hugely enjoyable experience.”
Lynn Anderson (21) from Inverkip is a former pupil of the local primary school where she is now teaching. She said: “It is much bigger, brighter and more modern that when I was a pupil. A lot of my teachers are still there and they were really welcoming. My first choice for teaching was in Inverclyde and even more so and I am really please that I am at Inverkip Primary.”
Emma Mulgrew (21) from Port Glasgow has returned to her old primary school St Francis’: “I was at the school during its refurbishment in 2004 so it is great to go back and work there. On my first day I knew some of the teachers so felt very welcomed and the kids are great. I am really enjoying it – the staff and children are fantastic.”
Greg McConigal (21) is from Greenock and finished his pupil career at Notre Dame High School when it was decanted to the former Wellington Academy while the new £29 million school was being built. He said: “I was in 4th year when we left the original building so the school moved into the new building after I had left so to come as a teacher to the new Notre Dame is great. The music department is second to none for space, facilities and enthusiasm. I am really looking forward to the year ahead.”
Newly qualified teachers undertake an induction year after finishing their induction year which is an opportunity to reach the Standard for Full Registration (SFR) in one school year at which point they become fully qualified.
Probationers are given a school mentor from their school staff who will support them in class and with their self-evaluation.
Photo:(From L to R)
Stephanie Barr (24) from Kilmacolm teaching at Kilmacolm Primary
Fiona McCready (22) from Inverkip teaching at Moorfoot Primary
Emma Mulgrew (21) from Port Glasgow teaching at St Francis’ Primary
Angela Rebecchi (22) from Greenock teaching at St Patrick’s Primary
Lynn Anderson (21) from Inverkip teaching at Inverkip Primary
Matthew McGregor (21) from Greenock teaching at St Mary’s Primary
Greg McGonigal (21) from Greenock teaching music at Notre Dame High School
Councillor James McColgan