Overview

In NSW the Australian Government Quality Teacher Program (AGQTP) recognises that effective professional learning has the capacity to sustain and improve the quality of learning experiences for students to enhance student learning outcomes. The AGQTP NSW Strategic Plan 2006-09 address the following priorities:

1. Teachers as members of the teaching profession
2. Teachers supporting student learning through high quality teaching practices
3. Teachers building professional relationships and networks with teachers and students
4. Teachers building connections and partnerships with their communities

Professional learning strategies in the 2006 AGQTP activities integrate innovative ideas and methods to make efficient use of the professional learning resources available through AGQTP. Access to high quality individual and collective teacher professional learning through participation in NSW AGQTP activities combines school-based action learning processes and mentoring with input from academic partners, workshops, online forums and conferences. Opportunities to share professional learning experiences and outcomes are encouraged through network activities, conferences and online professional communities.

The development of the NSW activities is informed by the NSW Institute of Teachers professional teaching standards. This framework describes what teachers need to know, understand and be able to demonstrate in their teaching practice. The four key stages provide a structure and direction for teachers professional learning and accreditation. The professional teaching can be accessed from the NSW Institute of Teachers website at www.icit.nsw.edu.au

The DET, CEC and AIS will offer access to activities that build on what teachers already know and understand, link professional learning in the activities to opportunities to directly apply that learning in their teaching practice and encourage communication among teachers who are focused on high quality instruction in similar ways.