Bruce McLaren principal supporting teachers

STUDY TRIP:  David Crickmer is researching better mentoring methods for teacher.
Photo: Fiona Goodall

By Rani Timoti

David Crickmer is looking for ways to keep teachers in their jobs.

And he reckons a friendly ear is the way to go.

The Bruce McLaren Intermediate School principal is overseas researching mentoring as part of a month long sabbatical funded by the Education Ministry.

"We do a bit of mentoring for beginning teachers but I feel it should go beyond that with experienced staff too," he says. "Some research shows teachers who have mentoring, are less likely to leave the profession."

Mr Crickmer says a worldwide trend shows many teachers leave move on their first four years in the job.

Stress, strain and frustration are often to blame.

"They need somebody to talk things over with," Mr Crickmer says. "It's quite a lonely existence being in a classroom with 30 kids."

Teachers at Bruce McLaren are used to a mentoring system and say it has helped their professional development.

Mr Crickmer, who has been teaching for over 40 years, wants to see similar initiatives used elsewhere also.

His sabbatical will include a tour of schools in Hawaii, the United States, England and Wales.

He will also attend a seminar on mentoring and will be looking for ideas to bring back to New Zealand.

Mr Crickmer will be accompanied by his wife Marguerite. The pair will return in July.

Western Leader