National Standard 6 – Engage in professional learning

6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs

6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice

6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice

6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning

National Standard 7 – Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community 

7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements

7.3 Engage with the parents/carers

7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Professional engagement is the third domain of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, focusing on engaging in professional learning and professionally interacting with colleagues, parents, carers, and the community.

As a beginning teacher, I prioritise continuous growth in my skills and knowledge through professional development. I extend my skill set by observing lessons in my peers’ classrooms and engaging with teachers from other schools. This approach enables me to develop core teaching skills and gain a broader understanding of subject-specific content. Enhancing my skills, knowledge, and understanding allows me to improve student learning outcomes, and professional development (PD) provides access to relevant information and opportunities, enabling me to collect a range of resources from these PD sessions (Queensland College of Teachers, n.d.).

I believe communication plays a key role in establishing strong professional engagement in the classroom and the school environment. This involves communication with parents/carers, colleagues, and the community. Building these connections enhances student engagement in the classroom. Communication occurs at various levels, including a whole school level, which mandates following the communication code of conduct. At a classroom level, it involves setting professional boundaries when communicating with parents/carers and the community, ensuring that communication is positive and beneficial for the students.

References:

Queensland College of Teachers. (n.d.). CPD resources and activities. Retrieved 8/01/2024. https://www.qct.edu.au/professional-development/resources-and-activities#:~:text=Professional%20development%20is%20intended%20to,sources%20including%20those%20listed%20below.