Growing and Nurturing 
 Educators

The Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative is a comprehensive workforce strategy purposefully designed to empower Independent school educators through innovative, evidence-based projects. Recognising the critical importance of attracting, supporting, and retaining future generations of capable and diverse teachers, GANE is dedicated to championing forwardthinking initiatives that elevate teaching standards.


Why this initiative?

At AISNSW, we understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping the future and are committed to cultivating a new generation of skilled and diverse teachers. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing projects, professional learning experiences, cutting-edge research, and invaluable resources we aim to enhance the landscape of educational practice. Activities are framed within three key project areas beside:

Evidence and Research

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Latest News

Growing and Nurturing Educators in 2023 >

Read how the Growing and Nurturing Educators initiative, launched in 2022, has supported the profession of teaching in 2023.

Teaching School Hubs program’s first year is a success >

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

Recognising and celebrating teachers in Independent schools >

Every day is an opportunity to celebrate teachers. Read the first story in AISNSW's Teacher Appreciation series, as well as the Independent school teachers recently honoured at an awards night.

Career Advice - Becoming a Teacher >

To support our commitment to Growing and Nurturing Educators, The Evidence Institute is pleased to share Career Advice: Becoming a Teacher.

Our Projects

Teacher Appreciation

As part of our ongoing commitment to growing and nurturing educators within Independent schools, we are delighted to introduce two initiatives. These aim to showcase the exceptional contributions of educators while elevating the status of the teaching profession.

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AISNSW Teaching School Hubs

The AISNSW Teaching School Hubs bring together independent schools, Education Trainees (initial teacher education students – Bachelor or Masters) and Affiliate Universities. They provide an alternative employment based pathway through teacher education where Education Trainees are immersed in one or more schools throughout their training. Education Trainees apply their learning in authentic school contexts from day one, while being closely supported by a dedicated Mentor Teacher. Additional learning complements the tertiary teacher education program and provides a nuanced understanding of the independent school sector.

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Early Career Experience

The AISNSW Early Career Experience is designed to support new educators in their early years of practice. The professional learning takes place over two years, during which participants explore fundamental aspects of what it means to be a teacher while they build networks and knowledge. Participants are supported by AISNSW consultants and educators from a range of independent schools throughout this experience. Support is provided across a range of key focus areas including wellbeing, behaviour management, and use of assessment evidence and data.

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Mentoring Resources

We have developed a new range of supports to assist your school in implementing a mentor program.

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AISNSW Teacher Education Scholarship

The AISNSW Teacher Education Scholarship is a merit-based academic scholarship for an undergraduate Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching student who wants to contribute to the rich learning of students in the Independent education sector. The successful candidate will be in their final year of study and receive the 12-month AISNSW Teacher Education Scholarship to work in a participating Independent school.

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2024 Teaching School Learning Forum: Vision to Reality

14 -15 March, 2024

In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of alternative pathways for teacher education, reflecting the dynamic nature of today's evolving educational landscape.

Share and learn alongside dynamic educators, leaders, academics, and those engaged in tertiary education degrees. Together, we will investigate a range of topics designed to ignite your imagination and spark transformative conversations.

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Why is GANE important?

Collectively, this set of circumstances has generated a range of issues including a critical supply shortage for short and long-term staffing in schools. There are many factors that amplify these challenges including wellbeing and the status of the profession (Department of Education, Skills and Employment. 2021). Growing and Nurturing Educators will address key elements contributing to this complex narrative and offer a range of strategies that will enable the independent sector to respond.

What will GANE achieve?

Across the three key project areas, GANE will strive to achieve a range of important outcomes.

More independent school leavers and mid-career changers entering the education profession.
Greater numbers of high-quality, diverse graduates attracted to careers in independent schools.
Greater awareness by teacher graduates of the unique contexts and nuance within the independent school sector.
Higher numbers of initial teacher candidate placement and graduate opportunities within the independent school sector.
Innovative models to support a more even distribution of skill sets as relevant to the needs of schools and their locations.

How can I be involved?

We will include the voices and experience of educators throughout all projects via a range of forums, surveys, interviews and focus groups. Please visit this webpage regularly for updates about upcoming events and opportunities to be included.

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