7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice
Example Learning Assistance Program (LAP) During the course of my final placement, I was fortunate enough to spend some time working within the LAP program. This program is a school based program which provides one on one guidance and support to current students identified as benefiting from individual time with a mentor in a caring and supportive environment. LAP aims to increase students self esteem and confidence whilst encouraging positive relationships between the student and their mentor in a safe environment. It encourages community participation creating a genuine sense of community within the school. Mentors are members of the community and include professionals, volunteers, old scholars and current secondary students. I observed interactions between student and mentor and listened to positive experiences had by students within the program.
Example Training by experts Many of the professional development events I have been fortunate to participate in have been led by experts in the relevant field. See evidence here. When discussing professional development, it is important to acknowledge that often external professionals and community representatives are best suited to inform and educate in regards to specialist areas.