What does this descriptor look like at different levels?
Maintain student safety is the fourth descriptor of the fourth 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 maintaining student safety, creating a secure and nurturing learning environment.
As a Graduate teacher, you understand the paramount importance of student safety. Your focus should be on establishing safety protocols and routines to ensure a secure learning environment for all students. While you may have limited experience, you must prioritize the well-being and physical safety of your students.
What evidence can I collect?
To provide evidence for this descriptor, you can showcase:
- Classroom safety measures: Implement safety measures within your classroom, such as emergency procedures, seating arrangements, and storage of hazardous materials.
- Incident records: Keep records of any safety incidents that occurred in your classroom and how you responded to them.
- Reflections on safety practices: Write reflective notes on your experiences with maintaining student safety and any adjustments you plan to make based on these reflections.
See more: The Impact of Challenging Behaviour: How Teachers Can Cope.
Proficient
What does it look like?
At the Proficient level, teachers are expected to consistently and effectively maintain student safety in various settings, responding to emergencies and ensuring a safe learning environment.
As a Proficient teacher, you have developed a strong sense of vigilance and responsiveness in maintaining student safety. You consistently implement safety protocols and are prepared to respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies or potentially hazardous situations. Your proactive approach creates a safe and supportive learning environment.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate proficiency in maintaining student safety, you can present evidence such as:
- Safety documentation: Showcase the safety procedures and protocols you have established, including emergency evacuation plans and crisis response strategies.
- Incident responses: Provide examples of how you effectively handled safety incidents, ensuring the well-being of all students involved.
- Preparedness measures: Demonstrate your preparedness for potential safety concerns, such as first-aid training or participation in safety drills.
See more: Evidence-Based Diagnostic Testing: A Guide for Australian Teachers
Highly Accomplished
What does it look like?
At the Highly Accomplished level, teachers are expected to lead and drive a comprehensive approach to maintaining student safety across the school, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to implement consistent practices.
As a Highly Accomplished teacher, you go beyond individual classroom safety to lead efforts in creating a school-wide culture of safety. You collaborate with colleagues, parents/carers, and community stakeholders to establish consistent safety practices that prioritize student well-being.
What evidence can I collect?
To showcase your highly accomplished level of maintaining student safety, consider the following evidence:
- School-wide safety initiatives: Provide documentation of your involvement in developing and implementing school-wide safety programs or initiatives.
- Collaborative projects: Showcase initiatives or projects where you worked with colleagues and stakeholders to improve safety practices across the school.
- Safety data analysis: Gather data on the impact of consistent safety practices on student well-being, school climate, and incident reduction.
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 maintaining student safety, collaborating with colleagues and community stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
As a Lead Teacher, your focus is on systemic change and creating a cohesive approach to maintaining student safety that involves all stakeholders. You collaborate with colleagues, parents/carers, community organizations, and external agencies to develop comprehensive safety strategies that prioritize student well-being.
What evidence can I collect?
To demonstrate your leadership in maintaining student safety, gather the following evidence:
- School-wide safety policy: Provide documentation of your contributions to the development and implementation of a school-wide safety policy or framework.
- Collaborative partnerships: Showcase instances where you collaborated with parents/carers, community organizations, or external agencies to ensure comprehensive safety measures for students.
- Impact assessment: Present evidence of how your efforts have positively influenced student well-being, school safety culture, and the overall learning environment through comprehensive safety strategies.
