Do beginning teachers receive adequate support from their headteachers?

Abstract

The article examines the problems faced by beginning teachers in Cyprus and the extent to which headteachers are considered to provide adequate guidance and support to them. Data were collected through interviews with 25 school teachers in Cyprus, who had recently entered teaching (within 1–5 years) in public primary schools. According to the findings, beginning teachers faced several problems at the workplace that include organizational and administrative issues as well as difficulties in coping with groups of students. Several respondents stated they did not receive sufficient support from their headteachers and in some cases, considered the culture at the school to be antagonistic. Respondents provided several suggestions on ways of overcoming problems faced by beginning teachers. They pointed to the need for greater support on the part of the headteachers through better and more frequent communication, and openness in the organizational climate. They also recommended the introduction of comprehensive induction programmes and effective mentoring practices.