Teacher Professional Learning
High quality professional learning is one of the cornerstones of an effective school. It enables teachers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to improve their teaching practice and is central to improving student learning.
Like the members of other professions, teachers need to be continuous learners who see their own learning as being fundamental to membership of the profession rather than something that is incidental or optional.
There is a range of professional learning programs and resources available for teachers, including awards, fellowships, and curriculum-focused professional learning. These are underpinned by the Seven Principles of Highly Effective Professional Learning which call for professional learning that is collaborative, embedded in teacher practice and aimed at bridging the gap between what students are capable of doing and actual student performance. For more information, see: Seven Principles of Highly Effective Professional Learning (PDF - 503Kb).
Programs and courses
- Induction - what teachers can expect to find in induction support when they start work at a new school, with mentoring as a key strategy.
- Mentoring - a mutually beneficial partnership between a more experienced teacher and a beginning or returning teacher. Includes a program for those keen to share their experience by becoming a mentor.
- Refresher Courses - courses which enable teachers to catch up on the latest developments in education after returning from long term leave.
- Teacher Professional Leave - flexible learning opportunities for teachers to enhance their classroom practice and contribute to school and system improvement.
- AGQTP - a national program to update and improve Australian teachers' skills and help lift the status of teaching in schools. It focuses on improving teacher skills in literacy, numeracy, mathematics, science, information technology and vocational education in schools.
- Learning to Lead Effective Schools - opportunities for teachers and school leaders to develop their leadership capacity.
- SSO Professional Learning - professional learning opportunities for School Services Officers and Secondary Teacher Assistants
Subject specific programs and courses
- Professional Development (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/career/profdev.html) - professional development opportunities on the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority website available for principals, teachers and school administration staff.
- ICT Professional Learning (http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/ict/pd/index.htm) - includes resources such as ICT Professional Learning Strategy 2005-2007 and ICT Professional Learning Plan - Whole School, as well as information about professional learning opportunities.
Resources
- Resources - general professional learning resources, learning opportunities and information from relevant organisations and statutory bodies.
- Professional Learning Approaches – information on methodologies and processes for undertaking, evaluating and sharing learning.
More information
- Learning & Teaching Research - focuses on areas of research that are most important to improve the quality, participation and outcomes of education for Victorians.
- Awards, Events and Scholarships - lists awards and events sponsored by the department including the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
Contact
- If you have any queries or require information about applying for professional learning, please contact:
teacher.development@edumail.vic.gov.au - For regional contacts, see: Regions