Transnational Teaching in the Induction Years

Abstract

Teachers working transnationally continue to become more common with globalization, connecting teachers from different countries worldwide. However, successfully navigating the process of moving one’s life and career abroad can be challenging, even more so for an inductee teacher. Previous research describes the experiences and benefits gained through student teaching abroad and experienced teachers becoming transnational teachers in a vast amount of countries. One important aspect of preparing all types of transnational teachers is an effective induction process. Research about effective inductive practices for experienced transnational teachers and first year teachers in their home countries has also been examined thoroughly. However, there is much less research on transnational inductee teachers. This study answers the question about the experiences of transnational teachers during the induction period. Through semi structured interviews with five Republic of Ireland secondary school teachers working in England during their induction years of teaching they share about their initial induction process, the challenges faced in the school, and the benefits gained through the transnational experience. The findings identified aspects of effective transnational induction: having regular meetings on school policies with other new teachers and discussions with mentors and colleagues who can relate to being a newly inducted or transnational teacher. Challenges during the induction period included: implementing a foreign curriculum, developing student-teacher rapport, and understanding school grade reporting processes. Through overcoming the challenges, the participants experienced growth in their sense of independence, improvements in their teaching practices and opportunities for career advancement. This study has implications for an effective induction process for transnational induction teachers: helping them to successfully navigate their challenges and experience the benefits of being a transnational teacher.