Aberdeenshire will welcome more than 120 new probationer teachers to its classrooms as schools return next week.
They begin their careers in earnest on Wednesday but were yesterday welcomed to their new roles by the region’s education chiefs.
Their recruitment has been hailed as a success story for Aberdeenshire’s schools and evidence of the continued success of the council’s probationer teacher programme.
The council has worked hard to make the profession more attractive and has taken inspiration from a similar ground-breaking initiative in Santa Cruz, California.
Welcoming the new teachers to an event at Meldrum Academy yesterday, Councillor Gillian Owen said: “It is inspiring to see so many new teachers take their first tentative steps towards a rich and fulfilling career shaping the lives of children and young people across Aberdeenshire.
“The council’s probationer induction programme is considered one of the best in Scotland. The probationers will be given plenty of support and guidance and those who have relocated to Aberdeenshire will be made to feel very welcome in their new surroundings.
“I wish this latest intake the best of luck for their teaching careers.”
Last year there were 126 probationers in schools across Aberdeenshire, of whom 123 completed their first year in teaching.
This school session sees 100 new teachers join primary schools and 34 step into classrooms at secondary schools.
Earlier this week, Aberdeenshire Council said it currently had 21 teaching vacancies in the region – less than half the 55 unfilled posts it had this time last year.
Councillor Mark Findlater added: “Teaching is a highly rewarding career, so it is fantastic to see this latest group of probationer teachers take their maiden steps in what is a fulfilling journey.
“They will make a real difference to the lives of young people across Aberdeenshire.”