Program
Research basis of the program
The New Teacher Network (ntn) provides:
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support and inspiration for beginning teachers in their first years of teaching
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an ongoing program of support outside of their own school environment
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regular planned meetings in small groups for teachers to collaboratively reflect, assess and develop their skills throughout the course of the year
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opportunities to engage in a professional network of beginning teachers from across a community of schools
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full support of an experienced mentor.
In creating a Sustainable Community of Learners, the ntn program addresses the Domains of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers with a particular focus on Professional Engagement.
This program is a total of 26 hours of face-to-face professional learning.
Through the New Teacher Network (ntn) program, “the quality and depth of professional learning conversations (will) produce greater staff confidence, feedback and emotional support “ (Goleman, Boyatzis, McKee, 2002) to continue working towards a better future for all students.
“ While teacher education equips beginning teachers with critical knowledge and skills about teaching and fosters an understanding of learning in and from teaching some of the most critical elements of teaching are only learned when beginning teachers commence their professional teaching careers.” (Denise Beutel, 2009). Reflecting on their teaching in a network of other beginning teachers is critical in assisting teachers to develop their practice.
Teachers’ involvement in networked learning communities seems to lead to changed practices, philosophies, instructional time and collegial interactions (Borko, 2004). “There is evidence that strong professional learning communities ...contribute to improved student achievement” (eg. Timperley, Wilson, Barrar, Fung, 2007).
Meyer and Maboso (2007) state that “mentoring, as a learning partnership, is one of the most effective ways to transfer skills and offer people the opportunity to learn needed skills that allow them to function at a more proficient level.” The best mentor displays the ability to coach, to support and to serve as a role model through a trusting and respectful relationship.
Research reported by Philippa Cordingley, Chief Executive of the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education, states that “Exceptional schools are more engaged in networked learning and external partnerships than strong schools.”