CHALLENGES OF NOVICE TEACHERS

Pelin Hamurabi Sözen
M. Ed, Başkent University, Turkey, phamurabi@hotmail.com


Abstract

The first year of a teacher’s career has a great importance since it gives a clue whether the teacher will stay in the field or not. Novice teachers’ step into professional life from graduation might be worrying, because there is no gentle adaptation period into teaching profession. At the first day of school, the novice teacher has to stand in front of students. The novices should teach like experienced teachers, in addition have many roles. The expectation from both teachers is same. The novice is expected to learn the school environment, policies and procedures while becoming familiar with curriculum, testing and school. There are some issues in the class atmosphere as well like, students at different levels, pacing speed, workload, communicate with parents and students. Teachers may need a survival kit between their background knowledge, training and the realities of the classroom. Entering classroom with lack of experience can cause negative feelings for new educators. This can lead to a feeling of isolation which may later result in unwanted situation like losing the teacher in the field of education. When novice teachers feel overwhelmed by their practice that they need to improve upon, a training can ease their work and help them survive in the field.

Keywords: novice teachers, challenges, experience, training.