The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has released the Australian Professional Experience Guidelines to support high-quality placements for future teachers.
AITSL CEO Mr Tim Bullard launched the new guidelines at the Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE) annual conference in Melbourne on 1 November.
The new guidelines were developed by AITSL to support a consistent national approach to professional experience, while acknowledging that different settings need flexibility. Professional experience is on-the-job learning where future teachers have an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in the classroom.
The Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel recommended the development of national guidelines to provide clear expectations and advice for consistent, high-quality professional experience, building on the existing resources already being used across Australia.
Evidence shows that high-quality professional experience means future teachers are more likely to complete their teacher education program, make a successful transition to the classroom, and stay in teaching for the long term.
On launching the guidelines, Mr Bullard emphasised how these foundational classroom experiences play a key role in shaping our teachers.
“Professional experience offers a supportive environment where future teachers can transform their theory into practice and start to appreciate how they can shape the learning lives of Australian young people,” Mr Bullard said.
The new guidelines will help to clarify roles and responsibilities, improve consistency of quality, and reduce administrative burden for teacher education providers, education systems, schools, early childhood settings and regulatory authorities.
“We want to set up every pre-service teacher for success and do all that we can to ensure their professional experience is a positive experience – whether they are in a metropolitan city, regional town or remote community, and whether they are 18 years old or have decided to make the shift to teaching mid-career,” Mr Bullard said.
Click here for more information on the guidelines.
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) provides national leadership for the Australian, state and territory governments in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership. AITSL is predominantly funded by the Australian Government.
