Supporting expertise

Evidence shows that purposeful professional learning for teachers is one of the most effective ways to improve teaching practices and student outcomes — but with so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start.

In this edition of AITSL Mail, we feature a range of tools and resources to help teachers with their professional development journey, whether you’re in a school setting, an early childhood educator, or working as a casual relief teacher. In our latest CEO Blog, Mark Grant shares the benefits of professional learning.

High Quality Professional Learning Toolkit

Professional learning is a part of an ongoing cycle in every teacher’s career. You can now access a tool to design your own professional learning plan that suits your educational setting.

The High Quality Professional Learning Toolkit is an online, interactive platform that helps you select from a range of effective professional learning modes and approaches, backed by research; to create a specific, personalised professional learning plan.?

Complete online, download your plan and access a range of AITSL implementation resources to suit your requirements.

Access the toolkit

Early childhood resources

We have recently been working on making the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers more visible for teachers and leaders working in early childhood settings.

Watch this example of how an early childhood teacher develops children’s knowledge of food and culture through a series of interactive classroom activities.

We understand that early childhood settings are diverse and complex, often leading to barriers for teachers and leaders to access professional learning. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide. We encourage you to explore and see what tips and ideas work best for you.

We also encourage you to read our Early Childhood Spotlight which reviews the positive impact that early childhood teachers have on children’s lives.

Casual relief teacher professional learning quick guide

Did you know that students can spend the equivalent of one full year being taught by casual relief teachers? This is why we’ve prepared this quick guide for leaders detailing how to include casual relief teachers in professional learning activities within the school setting. The guide addresses common barriers and provides guidance for leaders to increase opportunities for casual relief teachers to access high-quality professional learning.

Supervising Preservice Teaching

We have revamped our Supervising Preservice Teachers (SPT) professional learning modules. Supporting a preservice teacher can be a valuable part of a teacher’s role. The new-look modules aim to enhance a teachers’ knowledge, skill and confidence to effectively supervise preservice teachers.

The program is relevant to teachers who are about to supervise or are thinking about a supervisory role. It may also be useful for school leaders, school-based practicum coordinators, and those taking on other mentoring roles. After completing the modules you’ll be invited to share your feedback. We are particularly keen to seek the views of rural and remote teachers, though all feedback is welcomed.

Check out the new modules

Abby Saleh discusses HALT certification

Abby Saleh is a NESA Accredited Highly Accomplished teacher currently working as a Curriculum and Instruction Leader at Chester Hill North PS in NSW. As a former refugee and proud product of public education, Abby has over 20 years of experience working with low socio-economic communities and is passionate about building teacher capacity to support CALD students and their families.

In her article published in the Journal of Professional Learning, Abby explains why teachers value certification at the Highly Accomplished or Lead teacher level and provides some practical advice for aspiring HALTs.

Read the article from Abby

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback on AITSL Mail, please send an email to [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!