As international schools continue to grow in popularity, the role of the human resources department becomes increasingly important in ensuring the success of new teachers joining the school community. The role of HR in the recruitment process varies in the context of an international school, and often the SLT will play a key part in the hiring of new staff. However, once someone has been appointed to a new position the role of the HR department is crucial. The on-boarding process is pivotal in ensuring that new staff are able to process the necessary documentation to work in the school and that all aspects of their move to a new country is as seamless as possible.
The on-boarding process begins well in advance of a teacher physically joining the school. An effective HR department should provide clear and detailed information before a new teacher even steps foot on campus, the HR department can provide detailed information about the school, including its mission and vision, curriculum, student population, and school culture. This information will help new teachers understand the school’s expectations and how they can best fit in.
HR should assist with all aspects of relocation and logistics The HR department can provide valuable assistance with logistics such as finding housing, obtaining necessary visas and work permits, and arranging transportation to and from the school. This support will help new teachers to focus on their new job and to ease their transition to a new country. Without the effective support of HR the process of moving to a new country can be extremely stressful.
The HR team should play a central role in facilitating integration into the school community. Starting a new job can be challenging, especially in a new country. The HR department can help new teachers to feel more comfortable by organizing social events and team-building activities. This will help them to get to know their colleagues and feel more comfortable in the school community.Many international schools will invite new teachers to commence their role in advance of a new school year, to ensure that there is a period of induction in to the school and to help teachers settle in their new community.
The most effective HR departments will establish clear communication channels as open communication is key to a successful working relationship. The HR department should establish clear and open communication channels to ensure that new teachers feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. The HR department should also be available to provide guidance and support as needed.At the same time, it is important that a new teacher in an international school gradually becomes less dependent upon the HR team. Some international teachers might become too dependent upon HR and develop an over-reliance on the HR department; and can become detrimental to the process of them settling in and adapting to life in a new country. It is important that teachers feel that HR supports them so that they can focus on the core aspects of their job, but at the same time they don’t become a burden to the HR department.
In the first few weeks of a school year, HR should provide a clear understanding of school policies and expectations. The HR department should provide new teachers with a clear understanding of school policies and expectations, including attendance, dress code, and other rules and regulations. This will help new teachers to feel more comfortable and to be more successful in their new role.
In conclusion, the role of the human resources department in supporting new teachers in international schools is vital. By providing support in the areas discussed above, HR departments can help new teachers to feel comfortable and confident in their new role and to be more successful in the international school setting. As time goes on a teacher should become more independent and autonomous, and less reliant on HR though. A new teacher should try to develop a positive relationship with HR and learn to seek their support only when it is absolutely necessary.
International Education Today 