The teaching profession is one that requires constant learning and development. In the dynamic environment of international schools, this need for growth is even more pronounced. Malaysia, with its burgeoning international school sector, recognises this need and has implemented several mentoring programmes for teachers. These programmes aim to foster a culture of continuous professional development, enhancing the quality of education provided. In this blog, we will explore six such mentoring programmes that are making a significant impact on international school teachers in Malaysia.
1. Teach For Malaysia Fellowship
The Teach For Malaysia Fellowship is a two-year leadership development programme that recruits and trains Malaysia’s most promising individuals to serve as full-time teachers in high-need schools. The programme provides an intensive mentoring and training experience, equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles.
One of the unique aspects of this programme is its focus on leadership. The fellowship believes that by developing teachers as leaders, they can drive systemic change in their schools and beyond. This approach is similar to the one adopted by Teach For All, a global network of independent, locally led and governed partner organisations, of which Teach For Malaysia is a part.
2. The British Council’s Connecting Classrooms
Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme led by the British Council. In Malaysia, the programme offers professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders, including mentoring. The programme’s focus is on building global citizenship and skills for a global world in young people.
The mentoring provided under Connecting Classrooms is designed to help teachers integrate international learning into their schools, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. The programme’s approach is akin to the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) philosophy of fostering international-mindedness, making it particularly relevant for international school teachers.
3. The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) Professional Learning Programme
The ISKL’s Professional Learning Programme is a comprehensive professional development initiative that includes mentoring for new teachers. The programme is designed to support teachers in their first few years at the school, helping them to navigate the challenges of a new environment.
The mentoring programme at ISKL is structured and systematic, with mentors and mentees meeting regularly to discuss progress and areas for improvement. This approach is reminiscent of programmes such as the New Teacher Center’s Induction Programme in the United States, which has been shown to improve teacher effectiveness and retention.
4. The Alice Smith School’s Professional Development Programme
The Alice Smith School, one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Malaysia, offers a robust professional development programme for its teachers. The programme includes mentoring, collaborative learning, and opportunities for further study.
The school’s mentoring programme is designed to support teachers in their professional growth, helping them to develop their teaching practice and enhance student learning. The programme’s emphasis on collaboration and peer learning is similar to the approach taken by the Chartered College of Teaching in the UK, which promotes a culture of collaborative professional learning.
5. Garden International School’s (GIS) Professional Learning Communities
GIS has established Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within the school to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. These PLCs serve as a platform for teachers to learn from each other, share best practices, and receive mentoring.
The PLCs at GIS are organised around specific areas of interest or need, allowing teachers to focus on areas that are most relevant to their practice. This approach is similar to the one taken by the Professional Learning Communities at Work model developed by Richard DuFour and Robert Eaker, which has been widely adopted in schools around the world.
6. Marlborough College Malaysia’s (MCM) Professional Development Programme
MCM offers a comprehensive professional development programme for its teachers, which includes mentoring. The programme is designed to support teachers in their professional growth and development, helping them to enhance their teaching practice and improve student learning.
The mentoring programme at MCM is structured and systematic, providing teachers with regular feedback and support. This approach is akin to the one taken by the National Institute for School Leadership in the US, which emphasises the importance of ongoing professional development and support for teachers.
In conclusion, these six mentoring programmes offer international school teachers in Malaysia a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and development. By participating in these programmes, teachers can enhance their skills, improve their teaching practice, and ultimately, contribute to the advancement of education in Malaysia.
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