Offering a comprehensive, accredited program of professional development for teachers, the new Academy will help school communities meet compulsory ongoing requirements.

Macquarie’s new Academy of Continuing Professional Development in Education

The Department of Educational Studies is proud to launch the Academy of Continuing Professional Development in Education. Offering a comprehensive, accredited program of professional development for teachers, the Academy will help school communities meet compulsory ongoing accreditation levels set by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Underpinned by contemporary research, courses are developed and delivered by academics who are specialists in their fields. The growing number of courses on offer are the result of consultation with teachers. Professor Mary Ryan, Head of the Department of Educational Studies said “We are excited to offer a series of practical and relevant courses we know teachers will be able to take back to the classroom and implement. It’s another way our world-renowned research can benefit teachers and their students in the most practical way.”

From 2018, all early childhood, primary and secondary teachers, and executives and principals accredited at Proficient career stage are required to complete 50 hours of
NESA-registered professional development over five years to maintain accreditation and eligibility for employment in New South Wales. Macquarie University’s recent endorsement by NESA as a provider of professional development at the Highly Accomplished Teacher level ensures courses with practical evidence-based content for applying in the classroom across the spectrum of participants’ teaching careers.

Professional development is an important way to refresh and deepen knowledge, including new ways to help students learn. The Academy for Continuing Professional Development in Education enables teachers to broaden knowledge, expertise and confidence in areas including:

• Early Childhood
• History
• Information & Communication Technology
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Mentoring & Reflective Practice
• Science
• Student Wellbeing
• Teaching & Learning

Professor Ryan said, “we are working on increasing the offerings of the Academy so teachers and other education professionals can benefit from the expertise of all departments and faculties at the University”.

Participants receive a certificate for accredited professional development hours.