Introduction to the Standards
Throughout my first year of teaching, I have deepened my understanding of the important role I have in sharing the significant responsibility in preparing our students to lead successful and productive lives. The guidance, support and influence we provide our students goes much deeper than the daily lessons we facilitate. I have discovered that I need to motivate lackadaisical teenagers, manage a seemingly endless list of responsibilities, help students understand that Shakespeare’s plays are written in a form of English and all the while find time to offer inspiring words and glimpses of hope to students who have so wrongly confused school… with their most dreaded nightmare. It is not only through our skills, knowledge, and expertise, but also through our very presence, that we are able to empower our students. As we become a part of their lives and they become members of our community, we guide them as they learn and grow, and we help them recognise that their mistakes are in fact opportunities to explore. It is with this premise of encouragement that I have come to the understanding that teaching can be characterised as continuous learning, reflection and empowerment.
Thus, to ensure I become a dependable and consistent influence on my students, I reflect on and evaluate my professional knowledge and skills in accordance to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
Thus, to ensure I become a dependable and consistent influence on my students, I reflect on and evaluate my professional knowledge and skills in accordance to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
6.1 - Identify and plan professional learning needs
Use the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and advice from colleagues to identify and plan professional learning needs.
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6.4 - Apply professional learning and improve student learning
Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.
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Importance of the standards
The Australian Professional Standards detail the elements of effective teaching in the 21st century. Essentially, the seven standards are categorised into three domains: professional knowledge, professional practice and professional engagement. The standards inform teachers of what they should know and be able to do and serve as a framework for the professional requirements of the teaching profession. The standards are interconnected and interdependent. Therefore, I have used an integrated approach throughout this portfolio.
The Australian Professional Standards is about reflection and improvement and thus, I have provided reflective statements on the principles which underpin the standards.
The Australian Professional Standards is about reflection and improvement and thus, I have provided reflective statements on the principles which underpin the standards.
Professional KnowledgeDifferentiationEvery child is a unique individual who learns in a different style and manner to that of their peers. It is my responsibility to cater for my students' needs. In order to achieve this, it is imperative that I differentiate my learning design and implementation in accordance to the students' needs, prior knowledge and their sociocultural diversity. However, I believe that in order to do this effectively, I need to model for my students that diversity is a cause for celebration. I need to facilitate learning opportunities that teach students the principles and morals of acceptance, tolerance and to value differences.
Preparation
Teachers need to be prepared and organised for every lesson. We can do this by having adequate planning for our lessons catering for learning needs and having clear learning expectations including behaviour management expectations. These plans should not be hidden but made clear to the students through the explicit statement of classroom expectations and learning outcomes along with implementation of them. I need to ensure that I follow the appropriate pedagogy requirements and I must follow through with my expectations in order to gain trust and respect from my students and colleagues.
CurriculumThe Australian Curriculum mandates the standards for the content and skills teachers should teach thus, what all young Australians should learn; what they should know and be able to do, as they progress through school. I need to ensure that I implement learning experiences which provide the opportunity for students to acquire and integrate such knowledge and skills, and then use their knowledge and skills meaningfully, and in authentic contexts. In doing so, I need to provide students the opportunity to develop capabilities that are important for life and work in the twenty first century.
TechnologyTechnology should be used as a tool which allow children and teenagers to be creative while also developing new skills and grasping an understanding of the modern world. Technology is an increasingly significant part of the society thus, it is my responsibility to teach them about the systems they rely on on a daily basis. I need to utilise technology as a resource in the learning process to differentiate and engage students to think and form questions based on what they see and learn. In addition, I need to teach students how to use technology in a safe, legal and ethical manner and model such behaviours.
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Professional PracticeRespectEvery child has the right to attend a school that provides them with a safe and caring environment. This is achieved through not only a positive classroom but also a positive school community. I play an integral part of creating this environment and developing positive learning relationships with my students and the wider community. I can achieve this this by treating my students, my colleagues, our environment and the wider community with respect and following the school's and Queensland's policies and frameworks.
AssessmentAssessment is the purposeful collection of evidence used by the Teacher to make judgement about student learning. It is my responsibility to design, implement and review assessment pieces in order to produce credible evidence for reflection and reporting. I need to establish clear expectations, instructions and conditions for students to ensure validity and equity. I need to ensure the task expectations and learning standards are transparent to students. I need to include an array of assessment strategies which contain different learning tasks, purposely selected to elicit the range and scope of knowledge, understanding and skills from every student.
WellbeingYouth is a time of transformation and thus, a crucial period for establishing positive health and wellbeing. High quality relationships with teachers result in better social and emotional wellbeing and higher academic competence. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that I as a learning manager maintain a positive attitude and manage my emotions. Teachers model SEL skills for students explicitly and implicitly. I am required to re-direct behaviour. In doing so, I will model social and emotional strength and maintain an enthusiastic disposition. To assist students achieve a high level of wellbeing, it is crucial that I facilitate leaning experiences which develop students' social and emotional learning capabilities and thus, create a positive and nurturing classroom environment.
Pedagogy & InstructionTeachers need to use sound pedagogical frameworks and an array of effective teaching strategies to ensure students are provided with the opportunity for optimal learning to take place. It is my responsibility to make sure that I continuously develop my practice, review and reflect on my practise and then adjust my instruction accordingly. Using a range of researched strategies enables me to cater for all of my students needs.
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Professional EngagementLearning PartnershipsTeachers demonstrate respect and professionalism in all their interactions with students, colleagues, parents/carers and the community. I need to establish cooperative, professional relationships with parents, staff and administration. Teachers need to be sensitive to the needs of others and model effective learning. I need to engage in consistent reflection of my professional learning both collegiality and individually. I need to be a highly motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated educator who wants all children to be successful learners. I will be committed to creating a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating and encouraging to all students. To achieve this I need to demonstrate superior interpersonal and communication skills to foster meaningful relationships with students, staff and parents.
Lifelong LearningTeaching is a lifelong learning journey; learning about new philosophies and new strategies to evolve the teaching and learning process. I need to engage in constant professional development in order to be well versed in my pedagogy, content and be aware of current trends and issues. Education and the curriculum is constantly evolving. Advances in technology require new skills and offer new ways of learning. It is important that I engage in professional development as it me adapt and progress with these changes. Of equal importance, I need to equip my students with the necessary skills for the dynamic modern work force thus, I need to pass new knowledge and skills to my students to ensure their success. I must have the ability to be collaborative and conduct and use action research within my academic disciplines. In addition, I need to engage in learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learn from my students.
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