Standard 6 - Engage in professional learning

 

The Australian Professional Standard for Teachers are a motivational tool for the educator as an aspiring teacher and also practicing teachers as they enhance the status of the profession. The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers are “aspirational and developmentally focused”, providing teachers with a framework for continuous engagement and a commitment to learning leading to improved outcomes for students (Morgan, 2010, p4). For educators to engage in professional learning they must first identify areas that can be improved (Schleicher, 2011; Hinton, 2006). It is therefore necessary that the educator continually engage in reflective practice to be able to identify areas of strength and weaknesses. As curriculum, legislation and teaching strategies continually change and develop so must the professional knowledge of the educator. It is the responsibility of the educator to engage in professional learning in order to ensure that they continue to deliver quality teaching that is informed by contemporary research and resources.

 

Professional learning will also occur in the school setting through interaction with colleagues. Feedback from colleagues through meetings and discussion is timely enabling the educator to make the required changes or seek appropriate resources immediately. With changes constantly being made in the field of education it could become overwhelming for the educator to understand and apply new findings confidently. By working collaboratively as a team, educators in a school setting can share their knowledge and understanding once engaging in professional learning so that deeper more meaningful understandings of the changes and implications for teaching practices are easily understood amongst the cohort.