The transition from university student to classroom professional is one of the most challenging phases of an educator’s career. To combat early-career burnout and ensure a stable future for its schools, Latvia has announced the continuation of its “Induction Year” (Indukcijas gads) program. This initiative provides a financial and professional safety net for newly qualified teachers, offering a monthly stipend of €200 alongside a rigorous mentorship framework.
The program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the daily realities of the classroom. By providing both financial incentives and structured support, the Latvian Ministry of Education and its partners aim to increase the retention rate of young professionals who might otherwise leave the sector within their first three years.
Financial Support and Professional Mentorship
Participants in the Induction Year program receive a monthly stipend of €200 for a duration of ten months. This financial aid is intended to allow new teachers to focus more intensely on their professional development and integration into the school environment without the immediate pressure of supplementary employment.
Beyond the financial aspect, the program emphasizes a “professional community” model. New teachers are required to participate in weekly professional development groups led by experienced curators. These sessions, held every Wednesday throughout the school year, provide a space for regional peer exchange and collective problem-solving. Furthermore, the program includes structured feedback through lesson observations, helping new educators build confidence and refine their pedagogical skills in a supportive, non-evaluative setting.
Eligibility and the 2026 Intake
The support is specifically targeted at those who have recently entered the profession. To be eligible, applicants must have obtained their teaching qualification within the last two years (specifically graduates from 2025 and 2026) and must be currently employed or entering an employment relationship with an educational institution in a teaching role.
The application window for the next major intake is scheduled for the summer of 2026. Prospective participants can expect the following timeline:
* June 12–15, 2026: Graduates of teacher preparation programs will receive invitation emails.
* June 15 – July 17, 2026: The official application period for new participants.
* Late July 2026: Selection committee review of all applications.
* August 5, 2026: Results announced to individual applicants.
* August 2026 – May 2027: The active support period for the selected cohort.
A Strategic Response to Teacher Retention
This project is part of a broader European effort to stabilize the teaching workforce. Funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the project “Induction Year Support for New Teachers” (No. 4.2.2.7/1/23/I/001) is a collaborative effort led by the University of Latvia. Partner institutions include Daugavpils University, the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, and both the Liepāja and Rēzekne academies of Riga Technical University.
By involving the nation’s leading pedagogical institutions, the program ensures that the mentorship provided is aligned with the latest educational standards and research. For the Latvian education system, this is not merely a grant program but a strategic necessity to ensure that the next generation of teachers remains in the classroom.
How to Access More Information
For those interested in the 2026 intake, several informational seminars are being held to clarify participation conditions and practical aspects. These sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams on Friday, May 15, at 14:00 and Tuesday, May 26, at 10:00. These seminars are open to graduates from all participating Latvian universities who are planning to apply for the support. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the project coordinators at the University of Latvia via email.
Source: Aizkraukles novada pašvaldība
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