Why professional development?
"Professional development: the process whereby members go about improving their competencies." (Marsh 2008, p.292)
Teachers in NSW are required to complete professional development programs in order to maintain accreditation. This is a career-long process, with each maintenance accreditation period lasting five years. the following must be completed in every maintenance period:
- 50 hours of Institute Registered development
- 50 hours of Teacher Identified development
A copy of the NSW Intitute of Teachers (NSWIT) Continuing Professional Development Policy can be found here. Also available for download is the NSWIT handbook Continuing Professional Development: Maintaining Accreditation at Professional Competence, Information for Teachers
The NSWIT also has published a document outlining Professional Teaching Standards. Element 6 of the this states that:
"Teachers continually improve their professional knowledge and practice."
Improving professional knowledge and practice incorporates both knowledge in their specific teaching area, as well as areas such as classroom management, strategies for working with children in various needs groups, and ICT.
Professional development in the area of ICT is particularly relevant. The Australian Federal Government has launched a Digital Education Revolution plan. The idea behind this revolution is to ensure students are well prepared technologically for the world beyond school. From a teacher's point of view, this means that knowledge in a variety of technological formats, as well as knowing how to use them and incorporate them into lessons, is essential. Programs of this nature can be found under the general link.
However, great teachers do not engage in professional development just because the NSWIT and the Federal Government insist on it. A great teacher should always be looking to renew and refresh their skills and knowledge, in order to give students the best possible learning experience.
What opportunities for professional development are available?
There are a wide range of Professional Development opportunities for teachers, both within subject areas, and generally. Please note that the information contained on this page aims to be as accurate and inclusive as possible, but there may be errors and there are certainly exclusions. This page is for information only, so please contact the relevant body to confirm information about their events and membership.
Also, there are a great many courses offered by The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales and NSW Department of Education. A few of these have been included, but see the relevant sites for a more comprehensive overview.