Through the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative, AISNSW recognises the critical importance of attracting and retaining future generations of capable and diverse teachers to the Independent School sector. In addition to traditional pathways into teaching, there is a need for fresh approaches which respond to changing times.
We have developed the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs as part of the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative to provide future educators opportunities for immersive and impactful learning, while simultaneously supporting Independent Schools across NSW.
What is the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs?
The AISNSW Teaching School Hubs program is designed to celebrate the nuances and diversity across the Independent sector.
Educators at the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) roundtable told us that community and culture, autonomy, support and professional learning were central to what it means to work in the Independent sector. They shared that Independent School educators are all-rounders who have personal values that align with their school and believe in their school community.
The AISNSW Teaching School Hubs were developed as a way of bringing together a diverse range of Independent Schools, initial teacher education students and Affiliate Universities in an alternative employment-based pathway through teacher education. Participating Hub Schools have a range of religious and philosophical approaches and are located across both metropolitan and regional NSW.
Beginning in 2023, selected initial teacher education students will be immersed in participating schools for a full year, employed for a minimum of one day per week. They are supported by a dedicated Mentor Teacher, Hub School Coordinator and AISNSW Teaching School representatives who will provide targeted professional learning to complement their tertiary program.
Why is this employment-based model of teacher education beneficial?
The provision of an employment-based pathway offered through the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs has recognised benefits for the school, the Mentor Teachers, and for the participating initial teacher education students.
For the Independent sector and schools – this model provides nuanced employment pipelines for Independent Schools while enabling growth and retention of existing teachers through relational learning. Schools are purposefully connected through the Hub model, enabling additional resource sharing and collaboration opportunities.
For the initial teacher education students – this model enables authentic and immediate application to practice of university-based learning while being authentically immersed in a range of school contexts, cultures, and philosophies. Initial teacher education students are provided ongoing support and opportunities to build networks, both factors known to reduce isolation and induction challenges when transitioning to full-time teaching employment.
What have we done so far?
The program commenced in November, with 31 Principals, Mentor Teachers and Hub School Coordinators participating in a Mentor Program facilitated by the Evidence Institute and the AISNSW Leadership Centre. Recruitment of Trainees (initial teacher education students) is well underway for a 2023 start.
To support further Independent Schools, AISNSW is developing an online, self-paced mentoring course which will be made available to schools by Term 2, 2023.
For more information about the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs, contact Tiffany Roos (Director: The Evidence Institute) troos@aisnsw.edu.au or Dr Rachel Perry (Lead, Teaching School Hubs) rperry@aisnsw.edu.au.
Please visit our webpage for more information about Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE).
New to AISNSW and want to receive AISNSW Education News updates? Click here to register, and select ‘AISNSW Education News’ on the Areas of Interest/Subscriptions page.
