Exploration of New Teachers’ Empowerment Approaches via Induction Program: Case of Rwanda

Authors: Dr Jean Francois Maniraho – University of Rwanda-College of Education, Gafiligi Uwamahoro Clementine – Education for Development(VVOB), Dr Rita P Nimusabe – University of Rwanda-College of Education, Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana – University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Email: jmaniraho2@gmail.com

Received January 25, 2020; Reviewed March 6, 2020; Accepted April 16, 2020

Abstract: New teachers’ induction approach is taken as an important process for inspiring to join the teaching professionas it offers an introduction to the teaching working conditions and practices, increasing motivation of teachers and enhancing their problem-solving skills. In Rwanda, an induction program for new teachers with a focus on empowerment is being implemented by the Rwanda Education Board in partnership with VVOB –Education for Development and the University of Rwanda –College of Education. The main objective of this paper was to examine the awareness and knowledge of key players on new teacher induction in Rwanda: Key players to this end are: 1. the deans of studies in Teacher Training Centers (TTCs) and; 2.New teacher mentors at TTCs.The data used were collected in April 2018, through questionnaires completed by research participants. The model of new teachers’ induction program by Diane Corcoran and colleagues was used as our conceptual framework. Due to a small sample size of 22 participants, we analyzed our data using the quick impressionistic summary investigative method and opted to present our results into affirmations. The study exposed that the role of New Teacher mentors at TTCs was relatively weak. Besides, our results, revealed that deans of studies had different views about the induction concept. The induction implementation in schools was found to be confronted with both limited knowledge on induction activities for the concerned people and time constraints. However, because of a small sample used for such quantitative study, we have not opted to generalize its findings. The paper ends with recommendations to different concerned stakeholders