Newly qualified teachers are ready to take up new roles in the classroom at schools across Aberdeenshire next week.
More than 100 probationers were welcomed at an induction event at Meldrum Academy yesterday to mark the beginning of their careers.
Probationary teacher Jayne Irvine, who has just graduated from the postgraduate PGDE primary teaching degree, is taking up the position of a primary 1/2 class teacher.
And although admitting she was “very nervous”, she said the induction event helped her prepare for the first day of term and gave her a chance to meet her mentor.
She said: “It was a welcoming day, very well set out and the speakers were great.
“It was good to speak to and mix with other people in the same boat who are as nervous as me.
“I’ve been on placements in schools through the course but this is my first teaching position.
“I’m teaching little ones so for the first week of classes I’m planning to stick to ‘getting to know you’ activities and hopefully it will all be fine.”
Councillor Gillian Owen, the council’s education and children’s services committee chair said: “Teaching is a hugely rewarding career and I hope the latest group of teachers entering the profession for their probation period thoroughly enjoy their first year.
“I am proud that in Aberdeenshire our probation programme is nationally recognised as one of the best in Scotland.
“This is because of its innovative approach and the support given to the probationers. I would like to wish all the probationers the best of luck.”
Aberdeenshire council’s teacher probation programme was inspired and developed by a ground-breaking initiative in Santa Cruz, California.
This year 153 probationers are taking up positions in schools across Aberdeenshire – 105 in primary schools and 48 in secondary.
A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of summer to congratulate the probationers on completing their first year as teachers.
Committee vice chair Councillor Mark Findlater said: “The probationers embarking on a teaching career this coming session will receive invaluable support and advice for the mentors.
“There are social events as well for those who have relocated to Aberdeenshire from other areas of Scotland to make them feel at home.”