The INTO is seeking much stronger support for newly-qualified teachers and the extension of a pilot scheme which helps to prepare them for the classroom.
Existing supports, the union says, do not meet the needs of the 2,000 newly-qualified teachers in primary schools this year.
The INTO says new teachers need support in the areas of:
dealing with behaviour issues in the classroom and in the school playground;
meeting parents to discuss pupil learning and behaviour;
teaching classes without the necessary resources;
teaching special needs students;
managing large classes;
teaching two and three classes together. "Most newly-qualified teachers are daunted by the new sense of responsibility that full-time teaching brings," Mr John Carr, INTO's general secretary, said last night.
"Overnight they go from being students, responsible only for their own learning, to having to take charge of a full class of pupils. This is a dramatic change and new teachers need support, particularly in certain key areas."
He also said new teachers should be supported by an experienced teacher/mentor for the first year of their career.
"This should involve release time from class so that lessons can be observed and time for meetings so that problems can solved. In many systems of education, teachers in their first year do not teach a full timetable and time is given to work with more experienced colleagues. The same should be provided here."
The INTO wants a national support group to provide advice and guidance on issues of concern to new teachers.
At present, there is a national pilot project run by the teacher unions, the colleges of education and the Department of Education and Science. This involves 40 newly-qualified teachers, 12 mentors and 16 principal teachers.
It is based in St Patrick's College of Education in Drumcondra. Other colleges of education offer some support to new teachers.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Science said the pilot project in St Patrick's College "is currently exploring the issues associated with the introduction of an induction system for newly-qualified teachers".