What does this descriptor look like at different levels?
Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities is the fourth descriptor of the seventh 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 engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities to enhance their professional growth.
As a Graduate teacher, you understand the value of networking with other educators and being part of broader educational communities. Your focus should be on seeking opportunities to connect with fellow teachers, attend professional development events, and participate in educational forums. While you may have limited experience in this area, you must demonstrate your willingness to actively engage with professional teaching networks to expand your knowledge and skills.
What evidence can I collect?
To provide evidence for this descriptor, you can showcase:
- Participation in professional development: Document your attendance at workshops, conferences, or webinars organized by teaching networks or educational organizations.
- Membership in teaching associations: Provide proof of your membership in professional teaching associations or networks.
- Reflective journals: Write reflective notes on the insights gained and ideas explored during networking events and how they have contributed to your professional growth.
Proficient
What does it look like?
At the Proficient level, teachers are expected to consistently engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities, actively collaborating with peers and contributing to the field of education.
As a Proficient teacher, you actively participate in various teaching networks, contributing your expertise and learning from others. You share best practices, engage in educational discussions, and explore opportunities to collaborate with educators beyond your immediate school setting.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate proficiency in engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities, you can present evidence such as:
- Collaborative projects: Showcase instances where you collaborated with teachers from other schools or regions on educational initiatives or research projects.
- Contributions to professional forums: Provide evidence of your active involvement in online forums or social media groups dedicated to educational discussions and resource sharing.
- Professional publications or presentations: Highlight any articles, papers, or presentations you have made in conferences or workshops organized by teaching networks.
Highly Accomplished
What does it look like?
At the Highly Accomplished level, teachers are expected to lead and drive a whole-school approach to engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities, creating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
As a Highly Accomplished teacher, you go beyond individual networking efforts to lead initiatives that promote a school-wide culture of engagement with professional teaching networks. You actively collaborate with colleagues to develop comprehensive strategies that foster a community of learners among staff and students.
What evidence can I collect?
To showcase your highly accomplished level of engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities, consider the following evidence:
- School-wide professional development initiatives: Provide documentation of your involvement in leading professional development opportunities that connect teachers with broader educational communities.
- Collaborative partnerships: Showcase instances where you worked with colleagues to create a comprehensive approach to networking and professional growth.
- Evidence of impact: Demonstrate how your efforts have positively influenced the school’s culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
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 engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities, collaborating with school leaders to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
As a Lead Teacher, your focus is on systemic change and creating a cohesive approach to engaging with professional teaching networks that involves all stakeholders. You actively collaborate with school leaders and colleagues to develop comprehensive policies and practices that align with educational goals and promote a culture of professional excellence.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate your leadership in engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities, gather the following evidence:
- School-wide professional networking initiatives: Provide documentation of your contributions to the development and implementation of school-wide networking policies and frameworks.
- Collaborative partnerships: Showcase instances where you collaborated with school leaders and colleagues to ensure comprehensive networking opportunities for all staff.
- Impact assessment: Present evidence of how your efforts have positively influenced professional growth, innovation, and overall school improvement.