These case studies show us that teaching isn't any easier in other parts of the world. New teachers everywhere feel overwhelmed by the challenge of their first year in charge of a class. It is a very steep learning curve moving from the university to the real world. I am much busier than I had expected to be. It is entirely different from my student teaching experience.
Every day brings a new surprise.
Recognizing the challenge, these education systems have developed and put into practice strategies that help teachers through that very tough first year. Some of the weakest aspects of typical induction practice in the United States have been addressed relatively successfully by these other systems. In Japan and New Zealand, new teachers are assigned to classes perceived as less difficult or less critical to educational development, and they carry lighter teaching loads in order to participate in induction activities. In Japan, new teachers have reduced classroom hours and administrative duties. The difference in skill levels between new and experienced teachers are acknowledged and built in to the school program.