The event was organized jointly by the Dept of Social and Education Policy of the University of Peloponnese and the Regional Directorate of the Peloponnese and delivered through a distance communication platform. It was attended by nearly eighty school directors, mentors, new teachers, school advisors and representatives from both organizers.
The exploration event took place both online and in person in the Department of Education (Barcelona. Spain) on the 6th of March 2024 and was not related to the Policy Brief 3 seminar, that took place some weeks before at the University of Vic.
The Italian Exploitation Event, held after Policy Event 3, was a crucial moment following the successful conclusion of the European LOOP project and the implementation of the mentorship course, setting a significant precedent for the future of educational development in Italy.
The exploration event took place in Lisbon on 15 February at the University of Lisbon’s Institute of Education.
The event took place on January 20, 2024, in Croatia at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Split together with the Policy Brief 3 seminar.
The event was organized jointly by the Faculty of Theology and the Ministry of Education. It was attended by school directors, mentors, new teachers and representatives from both organizers. Attendees were split into three groups with the aim of preparing proposals for the guidelines.
The LOOP Policy Seminar held in Italy on March 21, 2024, convened 14 participants for an insightful discussion on the implementation of teacher induction programs. The seminar delved into the adequacy, impact, political approval, and implementation of policy recommendations, shedding light on crucial aspects of mentor training and induction processes.
Adequacy:
Participants highlighted the relevance of LOOP recommendations in structuring formal mentoring courses for new teachers in Italy. The Mentor Capacitation Course received positive feedback for its quality content, marking a demand for specialized training among educators. Suggestions were made to optimize the course further, emphasizing practical application and interactive sessions to improve participant engagement and effectiveness.
Impact:
While the impact of policy recommendations may vary, the seminar revealed the potential of mentor training programs to positively influence teacher loyalty and job satisfaction. Engaging mentors in meaningful activities can strengthen their dedication to the profession and contribute to a more committed teaching workforce.
Political Approval:
Discussions underscored the need for collaborative action between educational institutions, regional school offices, and the Ministry of Education to implement mentor training programs effectively. Formal recognition and accreditation for training courses were deemed essential to motivate mentors and integrate programs into national teacher development strategies.
Implementation after LOOP Experimentation:
Successful implementation of mentor training courses highlighted plans for expansion and national integration. Stakeholder collaboration is crucial for formal recognition and accreditation, ensuring mentorship programs are valued within the educational system.
Reflection:
The seminar’s highest point was the discussion on structured recognition and compensation for mentors, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing education through effective mentorship. Initiating discussions posed challenges, but contributions from educators and policymakers bridged gaps and led to productive exchanges.
Suggestions for Future Seminars:
-Incorporate broader testimonials from teachers who completed the course.
-Extend discussion durations to facilitate deeper exploration of topics.
-Invite more testimonials to share LOOP experiences. -Schedule seminars outside of March to optimize attendance and participation
The Institute of Educational Policy and the Ministry of Education of Slovenia Republic as partners of the European LOOP project – Empowering Teachers, held on February 27, 2024, at 12:00 to 13:00 UTC, an International Educational Policy Webinar in the context of LOOP project with more than 85 attendees.
This webinar intended to share the knowledge acquired during the LOOP project and to launch a public debate on a set of actions and political conditions necessary for the successful implementation of induction programmes based on mentoring activities.
The General Directorate of School Administration (DGAE) of the Ministry of Education of Portugal (DGAE) as partner of the European LOOP project – Empowering Teachers, held on March 8, 2024, at 12:00 to 12:30 UTC, an International Educational Policy Webinar in the context of LOOP project with more than 30 attendees.
The LOOP Policy Seminar in Croatia, held on January 20, 2024, in Split, brought together 18 participants for a discussion on the future of teacher induction programs. Organized in conjunction with an exploitation event at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Split, the seminar received positive feedback from decision-makers and participants.
The seminar successfully addressed policy recommendations and stimulated discussion, despite a smaller number of participants compared to previous events. Notably, representatives from the Education and Teacher Training Agency participated, highlighting the importance of their involvement in supporting teachers from the project’s inception.
Concerns were raised about the sustainability of the programs after the project completion, with participants emphasizing the need for continued support and usage of program outcomes to enhance the teaching profession. As Croatia works in its educational landscape, collaboration and commitment to teacher development remain essential for promoting a challenging learning environment for educators and students.
