At the end of its first year, the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs program has seen positive results for both Education Trainees and Mentor Teachers.

All participants, from Education Trainees to Mentor Teachers and Hub School Coordinators, have voiced their satisfaction in the program. Education Trainees have reported increased confidence in their roles as educators, while Mentor Teachers find themselves contemplating leadership roles and higher levels of accreditation.

The program, a core project of the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative, was launched with eleven schools in its pilot year.

As part of their participation, Education Trainees continue to complete their university studies and scheduled Professional Experience Placements in other schools and sectors.

At the same time, they are employed for the year by a Hub School, spending a minimum of one day per week within the school's vibrant ecosystem. While working at the school they are guided and learn alongside their trained Mentor Teacher.

This unique opportunity allows them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, cultivating a deeper understanding of the teaching profession.


The year in review

After almost a year in the program, Education Trainees have seen incredible value in their experience, and are more confident of themselves in the classroom.

“Seeing the consistent week to week immersion in the school is what I’ve found to be the real benefit,” said Alexis Warncken, Education Trainee at Bishop Druitt College.

Courtney Birksmith, also an Education Trainee at Warakirri College in Sydney commented:

“This program is a really good way of beginning your journey as you discover who you are as a teacher.”


Looking to the future

We are pleased to announce the program has grown for 2024. It now includes a total of 20 Independent schools spanning New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.

This expansion will include 56 Mentor Teachers, and 56 Education Trainees across those 20 schools.

The positive impact of the program this year has been evident in participating schools.

Staff growth has not been limited to Education Trainees alone; Mentor Teachers, Hub School Coordinators, and other educators who have witnessed the program are eager to become part of its future.

"Being shoulder to shoulder with a trainee really facilitates a lot of reflection on the mentors' behalf," says Kylie Wharton, Mentor Teacher at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. 

"I think that's vital to remaining engaged in the teaching profession and allowing us to develop our skillset, as well as share our knowledge with new teachers as well."

As part of the Growing and Nurturing Educators initiative, The Evidence Institute has released a new resource to support mentoring in your school. Effective Mentoring: Setting up your school for success, is designed to assist with establishing new mentoring program and provides additional information and material which may enhance existing programs.  


New partner universities

We are equally delighted to introduce new partner universities. Joining the Australian Catholic University, Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University, and the University of South Australia in partnering with AISNSW are:

  • University of New England
  • Macquarie University
  • The University of Adelaide
  • University of Canberra
  • University of Wollongong
  • Charles Sturt University

 


Teaching School Learning Forum

Participants in the Teaching School Hubs program attended the 2023 Teaching School Learning Forum: Explore, Connect, Grow at the beginning of the year. 

The Learning Forum is the premier event for the Growing and Nurturing Educators initiative, and brings together educators, leaders, initial teacher education students and academics across all three school sectors.

In 2024, the Learning Forum will be held at Mantra on Salt Beach in Kingscliff NSW from 14-15 March. The forum will bring together delegates from across Australia, and provide a platform for networking and sharing.

We are delighted to announce Mark Grant, CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadeship (AITSL) will be the opening keynote speaker at this event.


For more information about the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs, contact Tiffany Roos (Director: The Evidence Institute) or Anne Gripton (Consultant: The Evidence Institute).

Please visit the AISNSW website for more information about the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative.


This project is partially funded by the Australian Government through the Choice and Affordability Fund.