| Abstract: | Based on several years of experience in instructing beginning teachers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the author classifies them into a number of basic types. The paper presents four teacher types, represented metaphorically by various members of the animal kingdom. It is possible to identify a teacher's initial type by studying his adaptation process and functioning at the start of his teaching career. Identifying the teacher type enables persons involved in his induction to better assess his needs and more clearly determine the kind of support he requires. Support is especially effective when it takes into account the teacher's personality, needs, feelings, and individual rate of professional development. Identifying the beginning teacher type makes it easier for peers to develop realistic expectations of him and be considerate of the nature of his specific difficulties. Providing differential professional induction can ease the path of the beginning teacher and hasten realization of his inherent teaching potential. |
