Twelve new teachers were welcomed by the Minister of Education at a special induction ceremony at the Bermuda College.

Diallo Rabain spoke with the 12 teachers, who will work for the public school system, during orientation on Thursday.

Hosted in the college’s Butterfield & Vallis Conference Hall, the event brought together teachers with education leaders and members of the Bermuda Teacher Induction Programme Team as they prepare for roles in schools across the island.

Mr Rabain highlighted the influence educators can have on generations of students.

“Engage with your students first, before anything else,” Mr Rabain said.

“Know them as people, not just as learners, and I have no doubt that you have already started this work in the classroom over the last week.

“The best teachers I have ever known are the ones who never stopped asking what they could do better. The lesson that did not go the way you hoped — how can I do it better next time? That is where continuous self-learning comes in.”

Mr Rabain encouraged the teachers to embrace this year’s orientation theme, “Stepping into your teacher ERA — Engage, Reflect and Aspire”, by building meaningful relationships with students, reflecting on their practice and striving to create opportunities for every child to succeed.

He added: “Thank you for saying yes to becoming a teacher. Quality education begins with quality educators. This past week, that journey began with you.”

The induction programme provides support to new teachers as they begin their work within the system.