Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
DEAKIN UNIVERSITYMELBOURNE TEACHING ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (MTAPP)
About the Alliance model
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
1. Brief overview of Alliances and the role of the Site Director2. Assessment Circles (ACs)3. School Improvement Initiative Project4. Placement expectations
Contents
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Role of Site Director
- Support Pre-service teachers (PSTs) and their mentors
- Schedule and facilitate Assessment Circles (ACs)
- Visit PSTs on placements
- Source and coordinate professional development opportunities
- Support a coordinated approach to School Improvement Initiatives
- Develop opportunities for Deakin involvement in schools
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Structure of Academy of Professional Practice
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Structure of Melbourne Academy of Professional Practice
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
ALLIANCESWhat’s different? (compared to a placement in a non-alliance school)• Assessment Circles & feedback
• Site Director assistance
• Professional Learning opportunities
• Involvement in Alliance schools’ improvement initiatives and school based projects
• Access & Opportunity!
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Purpose of MTAPP
• Better prepare teachers graduating from our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs
• Contribute to improvement initiatives
• Develop an evidence-base to support new and effective teaching practices
• Research-led culture of improvement and innovation in quality teaching.
• Create a new and expansive network of school leaders, practicing teachers, teacher educators, researchers and Department of Education staff.
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
ALLIANCE PSTSExpected Commitment
• Prepare for, attend and engage with ALL scheduled Assessment Circles
• Engage with your Alliance
• Volunteer time to work within the Alliance Project (approx 2 hrs per week, potentially with fellow PSTs at your school – not during placements)
• Timely communication
• Usual professional expectations
Thank you for your interest and commitment to the Alliance and the above requirements. If at any time you feel you cannot fulfil the expectations of being in an Alliance please speak to your Site
Director.
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Assessment CirclesAssessment for learning
Formative Assessment which is: Positive, reflective, open, honest, a discussion, conversation, questioning
Purpose:
- To develop PSTs’ ability to ‘unpack’ standards using evidence- To provide greater feedback and support to PSTs- To provide an opportunity for PSTs, school staff and Universities to come
together and discuss best practice
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Assessment CirclesWho: Site Director, PSTs (2 – 4), Mentor*, Leadership staff / Principal*, Deakin academic staff
When: During placement (1 or 2 depending on the duration of the placement) at lunchtime or after school (Site Director will schedule)
Where: At the host school if possible
• PSTs will select one of the APST (e.g. Standard 3 - Plan and Implement Effective Teaching and Learning) and one focus area within that standard (e.g. 3.2 - Plan, structure and sequence learning programs)
• PSTs ‘unpack’ the chosen standard: What are the key words? What is the standard asking from them? What evidence can they bring to show their achievement towards this standard?
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Roles and Responsibilities in Assessment Circles
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
School Improvement InitiativesPurpose:
To support school improvement initiatives by developing a professional learning community, connecting primary, secondary and pre-service teachers to share pedagogy
and practices.
•Establish School Improvement Goals & Find Commonalities
•Develop a Common Alliance Improvement / Innovation Goal
•Create stronger links between Deakin University and Alliance schools
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
PLACEMENT CHECKLIST• Contact the school / PST coordinator if you haven’t already done so• Ensure you have leave from part time work for your placement dates• Contact your mentor• Day 1:
– Ensure you have 3 copies of the Deakin placement documentation (mentor, PST coordinator & yourself)
– Timetable (if appropriate), bell times, staff list, logistics, contacts, class list & lesson plan format– Negotiation of teaching load and mentors expectations of students in his/her classroom (non
negotiables according to the mentor)– Understanding of the curriculum being taught– Understanding the students you have in the classroom– Negotiation of both your and their expectations:• Providing lesson plans to mentors• Receiving feedback, advice and support• Formative and summative Assessment
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICEOn your placement keep in mind the need for appropriate:
• Dress
• Behaviour
• Communication (ie. if you are sick ensure you phone and send an email)
• Punctuality (discuss starting and finishing times at the start of your placement)
• Social Media
• Priorities
Note: You have the same level of responsibility and expectations as your mentor and are representing
not only yourselves but also Deakin University
Just because other teachers may demonstrate inappropriate actions, this does not mean it is
appropriate / acceptable for you to. You have yet to establish a professional reputation and
your professional image is important.
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Remember!Schools are looking for:
Professionalism
Initiative
Willingness to take on and apply feedback
Involvement in the whole school environment
Ability to build relationships with students, staff and parents
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
To find further information
Go to:
- CloudDeakin- Professional Experience Page- Resources
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
WHEN DIFFICULTIES ARISE ON PLACEMENTIf your concerns are in relation to your teaching, your mentor, your school etc:• Document the difficulties you are experiencing
– Be considered, rational and objective– Be specific – Brainstorm solutions– Be flexible and open– Be willing to receive feedback
• Raise your concerns with your mentors if you feel comfortable. If not, speak directly with your school’s PST coordinator
• Raise your concerns with the Site Director (SD will liaise with the PEO)
If your concerns are in relation to a personal matter you may wish to contact your SD or the PEO rather than your mentor or the schools PST coordinator –this is at your discretion.