Above right: Hillsmeade Primary School leading teacher Kate Pollock receives a SEVERAL local schools were last week recognised for excellence in teacher training and development.
Hillsmeade Primary School, Clyde Primary School, Coral Park Primary School, Cranbourne South Primary School, Hallam Valley Primary School, Lyndhurst Secondary College and Marnebek School in Cranbourne were among the 269 Victorian government schools honoured.
Each school achieved a Performance and Development Culture accreditation for outstanding support offered to new and current teachers.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike congratulated the wider school community during an awards presentation in Pascoe Vale.
“Teachers play a vital role in motivating and inspiring students to learn and shaping their learning experiences,” Ms Pike said.
“When people reflect on their own school days, they will often remember a great teacher who helped shape not only their education but also their views of the world.
“It is fantastic to see a further 269 schools introducing high-quality induction programs to support new teachers and ensuring all teachers have opportunities to develop their professional skills.
“Teachers who are well supported and given the opportunity to nurture and develop their skills, will in turn create better outcomes for their students.”
Performance and Development Culture accreditation recognises schools that have high-quality mentoring and induction programs for new teachers; excellent processes for developing and managing staff; and a school culture that is supportive of professional growth.
“Whether it’s offering extra help with class work or encouraging students to push their own boundaries through creativity and imagination, these teachers have a direct impact on student learning,” Ms Pike said.
In order to be accredited, schools must first assess their own processes and also provide detailed evidence of the steps they have taken to develop a performance and development culture.
All government schools are expected to seek accreditation by the end of 2008.
