Nearly 150 new-start teachers are poised to begin their careers in Aberdeenshire next week.
The number of probationers for the region is slightly up on last year’s figures, which saw staff brought in from Canada and Ireland as part of a global recruitment drive.
On Friday, the new 92 primary and 51 secondary teachers will gather at Meldrum Academy for an induction day before they start their posts on Monday.
The local authority has a history of problems recruiting teachers. Last year, the then head of education Wilfred Weir admitted it was getting more difficult to recruit teaching staff willing to work in the Buchan area.
The high cost of living and a shortage of housing in the north-east left the council struggling to find new recruits.
To tackle the issue, new staff were promised help with temporary housing, relocation and travel expenses.
Earlier this summer, the council turned to its existing workforce to help fill current vacancies. Employees were promised a £50 gift voucher if they successfully referred a family member or friend to a vacant post.
At Friday’s induction day, the new teachers will be welcomed by council chief executive Colin Mackenzie as well as other senior members of the local authority team.
There will also be talks from a range of council education specialists discussing topics such as Curriculum for Excellence, child protection, information technology and the mentoring scheme.
Mentors will provide guidance, support and assessment of the teachers during the probationary period.
Education committee chairwoman Isobel Davidson said last night: “The mentoring scheme ensures that the strengths and development needs of probationer teachers are identified and addressed in a supportive and responsive way.
“This approach enhances learning and teaching in the classroom and develops confidence and leadership skills during the first year of a teacher’s career.”
Vice-chairman Ron McKail added: “I am very happy to be part of the induction day which I am sure will be a beneficial and informative experience for our new colleagues.
“I am looking forward to welcoming and meeting this year’s intake of probationer teachers and wishing them well in what I hope will be a long and rewarding career.”
This time last year, just over 120 probationer teachers were getting ready to start their jobs in Aberdeenshire, including 17 from overseas.
In 2009, there was a record 163 new start school staff.