Supporting Novice Teachers in
High-Poverty Schools
Teachers in their early years are more likely to leave high-poverty schools when they are expected to manage complex student needs on their own.
Research shows that retention improves when novice teachers are supported through clear structures, mentoring, and collaboration, rather than trial-and-error survival
What effective support for novice teachers looks like
Clear teaching expectations
Novice teachers benefit when lesson structures, behaviour routines, and assessment approaches are consistent across the school, reducing uncertainty and cognitive load.
Access to shared resources
Using common lesson plans, unit outlines, and assessment tools helps novices focus on how to teach, rather than having to design everything from scratch.
Regular mentoring and check-ins
Scheduled time with an experienced mentor provides guidance, feedback, and emotional support during challenging periods.
Protected collaboration time
Opportunities to plan and problem-solve with colleagues prevent isolation and support professional growth.
Supportive leadership
When school leaders model respect, trust, and realistic expectations, novice teachers are more likely to develop confidence and remain in the profession.
Resources for Novice Teachers
ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service)
https://www.acoss.org.au
National data and reports on poverty, inequality, and living standards in Australia.
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Poverty & Inequality Partnership (ACOSS / UNSW)
https://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au
Clear statistics and explanations on child poverty, deep poverty, and trends in Australia.
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Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC)
https://bcec.edu.au
Research reports on child poverty, education, wellbeing, and economic disadvantage.
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Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)
https://aifs.gov.au
Evidence-based research on families, children, and the impacts of disadvantage on development.
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The Smith Family
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au
Education-focused resources explaining how poverty affects learning and school participation.
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Brotherhood of St Laurence
https://www.bsl.org.au
Research and practice-based insights on disadvantage, education, and social inclusion.
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Save the Children Australia
https://www.savethechildren.org.au
Child-centred information on poverty, wellbeing, and educational equity.
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UNICEF – Child Poverty
https://www.unicef.org/social-policy/child-poverty
International perspectives on child poverty and multidimensional disadvantage.
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OECD – Child Well-Being & Poverty
https://www.oecd.org/social/family/child-well-being/
Comparative data linking poverty, education, health, and wellbeing across countries.
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World Vision Australia – Poverty
https://www.worldvision.com.au/global-issues/work-we-do/poverty
Plain-language explanations of poverty and its impacts on children and families.
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Harvard Center on the Developing Child
https://developingchild.harvard.edu
Research on toxic stress, poverty, and child brain development.
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Learning Policy Institute
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org
Resources on equity, school funding, teacher support, and outcomes in high-poverty contexts.
