Professional Engagement
In order to facilitate and model a co-operative and inclusive school atmosphere it is important that teachers are committed to a wide range of school activities. Participation in school events is also a very effective way of strengthening relationships with students, parents, families and the wider community. On the other hand, participation in the planning and implementation of the curriculum unites and encourages colleagues to reflect upon and communicate ideas of effective pedagogical strategies within their practices. It is my conviction that teachers should be committed to the process of reflection on their professional skills, always aiming to extend and develop these skills through the professional development opportunities offered within schools.
During the school placements and work experiences I have undertaken, I have shown dedication and commitment by actively involving myself in areas such as:
During my course and practical placements, I have attended both internal professional development sessions and external workshops. These include:
Engage Professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
Colleagues: Communication between colleagues is extremely important. For example, at Sandringham East (2012), many of the teacher’s team teach. Professionalism, open communication and trust are the qualities that are promoted.
I have been able to develop constructive relationships with teachers through:
I have been able to develop constructive relationships with parents through;
During the school placements and work experiences I have undertaken, I have shown dedication and commitment by actively involving myself in areas such as:
- Assisting with team planning in all areas of the curriculum at all of my school placements
- Participating in every Professional Development event offered at the Placement Schools, including sessions focusing on Interactive Whiteboard and E5 model (Caulfield Junior College 2009), Kathy Walker Program and You Can Do It! (Sandringham East Primary School 2012)
- Assisting with The Alexander Kitchen garden program at Elwood Primary school (2011)
- Class and School excursions- Melbourne Museum with Level 2 at Sandringham East Primary School (2012)
- Supporting the Swimming program at Sandringham East Primary School (2012)
- Supporting the school Art Show at Caulfield Junior College (2009)
- Attended and helped plan the Elwood Primary School musical concert in 2011
- Coaching years 5-12 at multiple sports including football, soccer, netball, cricket, tennis at both Caulfield Grammar Wheelers Hill and Malvern Campuses
- Assist in running APS athletic and swimming carnivals for Caulfield Grammar Wheelers Hill
- Contributing to planning and running activities for Valkstone Primary OSHC and holiday program
- Staff social events- For example, the level 2 catch up at the beginning of the year to meet new staff
During my course and practical placements, I have attended both internal professional development sessions and external workshops. These include:
- Kathy Walker Investigations mentoring at Sandringham East Primary School (2012)
- You Can do it! program at Sandringham East Primary School (2012)
- The e5 Instructional delivery model at Caulfield Junior College
- Ongoing THRASS support and mentoring, Sheila Pfeffer
- Problem Solving PD at Cheltenham Primary School- Marj Horne
- Teaching Children from Diverse Communities – David Zyngier
Engage Professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
Colleagues: Communication between colleagues is extremely important. For example, at Sandringham East (2012), many of the teacher’s team teach. Professionalism, open communication and trust are the qualities that are promoted.
I have been able to develop constructive relationships with teachers through:
- Listening to and taking on board constructive feedback from my mentor and level staff members
- Sharing information, lesson ideas, and resources with staff members
- Attending staff social events
- Taking an interest in colleagues outside lives
- Regular communication via email
I have been able to develop constructive relationships with parents through;
- Having an open door policy where parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning
- Working with parent helpers during excursions, special events, investigations (SEPS) and Guided Reading (1-1)
- Participating in formal and informal parent/teacher interviews
- Writing to parents via the students communication diary
- Making myself available to talk with parents prior to the school day commencing or after school has completed
- Contacting the parents via email and telephone regarding important information that may not have been passed on by students
- Arranging meetings with parents (at a suitable time) regarding concerns I/they may have or to discuss student progress