Paper Title
A PROGRAMME FOR THE INDUCTION OF BEGINNER LEARNER SUPPORT EDUCATORS IN SOUTH-AFRICAN SCHOOLS

Abstract
The purpose of the study is to develop, implement andmanage an induction programme for the professional development of beginner Learner Supporteducators in schools in South-Africa. The researchers are of the opinion that beginner Learner support teachers experience challenges and find it difficult to adapt to Special needs teaching due to a lack of structured guidance on how to practically employ knowledge and skills. A gap exists in literature regarding an induction programme that could guide beginner Learner support educators. The researchers aim to fill the gap by developing, implementing and managing a programme for the induction of beginner Learner support educators in South-African schools. Objectives of the research include: To determine whether an induction programme for Learner support teachers is included in their teacher training curriculum; to establish how beginnerLearner support teachers perceive professional development in the first year of Special Needs teaching; to explore the challenges that beginnerLearner support teachers face. In order to develop an induction programme for beginner Learner support educators, the study adopts a qualitative approach and follows an interpretivist paradigm more specifically a constructivist approach, so as to gain a deep understanding of the experiences of beginner Learner support educators. Data will be collected by administering open-ended questionnaires and conducting focus group interviews. A pilot study will be conducted to test the research instruments before undertaking fieldwork. This would make it possible to identify any shortcomings in the instruments. The population of the study will consist of Alumni Special Needs Hons students as well as enrolled Final year Special Needs Hons students at the Vaal Triangle campus of the North-West University. The study will employ purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling method to recruit participants. Data will be analysedby using inductive thematic content analysis to develop key concepts arising from the data and to make meaning of participants’ feedback. Keywords: Learner Support, Beginner Teacher, Professional Development, Induction Program, Manage, Implement.