Starting classroom teaching can be a daunting time for young teachers, but it can be just as daunting for their supervising teacher.

“Research has shown that many teachers feel they could be better prepared for their work as supervising teachers,” says Associate Professor Dr Michael Cavanagh, the ITE Program Director (Secondary) at Macquarie’s Department of Educational Studies.

“Many feel that they could develop further the knowledge and skills they need to supervise teacher education students doing professional experience practicums.”

Mandate for change

The issue has been recognised by the New South Wales Department of Education, which recently mandated that all supervising teachers needed to complete professional training in professional experience supervision.

In response, Macquarie’s Academy of Continuing Professional Development in Education has developed a targeted online course – Highly accomplished supervision of pre-service teachers. It gives supervising teachers the knowledge they need to mentor, supervise, support and provide feedback to teacher education students and ensure their improved practice flows on to improved educational outcomes for students.

“The course enhances participants’ knowledge and understanding of professional experience supervision and gives them the skills they need to support colleagues in improving their own supervisory practice,” Associate Professor Cavanagh adds.

Designed for primary and secondary school teachers who supervise and support teacher education students doing professional experience practicums, the course was created by Alexis King, a professional experience coordinator at Carlingford West Public School, and Cavanagh. His main research focus is on developing new models and approaches to professional experience.

“Our combination of backgrounds has helped us to develop a course that blends research, theory and practical ideas,” Cavanagh says. “It offers students a wealth of ideas about providing support and feedback, making evidence-based judgements, supporting students who are struggling and leading colleagues in a whole-school approach to supervision.”

Broad benefits

With five hours of online participation and four hours face to face learning, participants learn to clearly define the expectations of pre-service teachers in professional practice. They also enhance their ability to evaluate their own and colleagues’ current practices, improve supervision skills and develop a new and more productive understanding of their role.

“By completing this course participants meet GTIL (2017) training requirements for supervising professional experience placements,” Cavanagh says, adding that completing the course also allows them to achieve Highly Accomplished teacher career stage descriptors 6.1.3, 6.2.3 and 6.3.3.

“By being able to nurture student teachers effectively and help them find their own effective classroom voice, supervising teachers are ensuring that students receive the best education possible, both now and in the future,” says Associate Professor Cavanagh.

“This is a win-win for student teachers and their supervisors, with both developing their ability to become inspiring educational leaders.”

Learn more about Macquarie’s professional development courses and register now.