What does this descriptor look like at different levels?
Apply professional learning and improve student learning is the fourth descriptor of the sixth standard of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
See more: Australian Professional Standards for Teachers Terminology Explained
Graduate
What does it look like?
At the Graduate level, teachers are expected to develop foundational skills in applying professional learning to improve student learning outcomes.
As a Graduate teacher, you understand the connection between your professional growth and student success. Your focus should be on actively applying the knowledge and strategies gained from professional learning experiences to enhance your instructional practices. While you may have limited teaching experience, you must demonstrate your commitment to using professional learning to positively impact student learning.
What evidence can I collect?
To provide evidence for this descriptor, you can showcase:
- Integration of strategies: Demonstrate how you have integrated specific strategies or approaches learned in professional development sessions into your teaching practice.
- Student progress records: Provide evidence of how your instructional changes have positively influenced student learning outcomes.
- Reflections on impact: Write reflective notes on the effectiveness of the strategies you applied and their impact on student learning.
See more: Evidence-Based Diagnostic Testing: A Guide for Australian Teachers
Proficient
What does it look like?
At the Proficient level, teachers are expected to consistently apply professional learning to improve student learning, using evidence-based practices to inform instructional decisions.
As a Proficient teacher, you actively seek opportunities to use evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to optimize student learning outcomes. You demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and integrate new knowledge and skills into your teaching practice.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate proficiency in applying professional learning and improving student learning, you can present evidence such as:
- Lesson plans and materials: Showcase how your lesson plans and instructional materials reflect the integration of evidence-based practices.
- Student work samples: Provide examples of student work that demonstrate the impact of your instructional changes on their learning outcomes.
- Professional growth goals: Document goals related to improving student learning and how you have worked towards achieving them.
Highly Accomplished
What does it look like?
At the Highly Accomplished level, teachers are expected to lead and drive a whole-school approach to applying professional learning to improve student learning, collaborating with colleagues to enhance teaching practices collectively.
As a Highly Accomplished teacher, you go beyond individual impact to lead efforts in creating a school-wide culture of continuous improvement. You actively collaborate with colleagues to share your expertise and contribute to enhancing teaching practices across the school.
What evidence can I collect?
To showcase your highly accomplished level of applying professional learning and improving student learning, consider the following evidence:
- Collaborative projects: Document instances where you have collaborated with colleagues on improving instructional practices and student learning outcomes.
- Professional development leadership: Provide documentation of your involvement in leading professional development workshops or initiatives related to student learning.
- Evidence of mentoring: Demonstrate how you have mentored or supported other teachers in applying professional learning to improve student learning.
See more: Is it Worth Becoming a Highly Accomplished Teacher?
Lead
What does it look like?
At the Lead level, teachers are expected to drive systemic approaches to applying professional learning to improve student learning, collaborating with school leaders to foster a culture of collective professional growth and student success.
As a Lead Teacher, your focus is on systemic change and creating a cohesive approach to applying professional learning to improve student learning outcomes that involves all stakeholders. You actively collaborate with school leaders and colleagues to develop comprehensive professional learning frameworks that align with educational goals and support student excellence.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate your leadership in applying professional learning and improving student learning, gather the following evidence:
- School-wide professional development policy: Provide documentation of your contributions to the development and implementation of a school-wide professional development policy or framework focused on student learning.
- Collaborative partnerships: Showcase instances where you collaborated with school leaders and colleagues to ensure comprehensive and targeted professional development opportunities that directly impact student learning.
- Impact assessment: Present evidence of how your efforts have positively influenced student learning outcomes and contributed to a culture of continuous improvement through effective professional learning practices.
