edna.edu.au

Proud evening for the teaching profession

[Relocated post: Originally published on 2 April 2008]

Spend a windy Wednesday night at the Education Development Centre and come out celebrating the commitment and work of teachers.

Despite hail, peak hour traffic and a string of out-of-action traffic lights, teachers and principals leave work (unless they are committed to parent-teacher interviews) and head to Hindmarsh to be part of the historic launch of a Charter for the Australian teaching profession. A charter developed by the national professional associations with Teaching Australia, a statement of values and commitments.

Teachers believe in the power of education to make a difference to the lives of individuals and to society. As teachers and principals we are committed to giving students the best education possible for them to lead fulfilling, purposeful and productive lives. We bring to the role high levels of professional knowledge, expertise and ethical commitment.

Chris Robinson, Chief Executive of DECS does the honours assisted by the youngest and the oldest registered teachers in South Australia. Ian Smyth and Lia Tedesco also acknowledge Jim Dellit's work.

Two hours later, walking down the corridor past the food standards in early childhood workshop, I come across the ESL educators presenting the ESLE Ann Sexton Memorial Awards to merit award winners of SACE Stage 2 ESL in front of proud parents and teachers. It is wonderful to realise that an educator with vision, dedication and passion for giving ESL students access to excellent courses and opportunities is remembered by her colleagues in this way each year.

Then downstairs to the CEGSA AGM to join in congratulating colleagues receiving awards for SA Computer Teacher of the Year: Graham Taylor, and SA ICT Leaders of the Year: John Travers and Anne Ballard. What a wealth of talented teachers we have: http://cegsa.editme.com/awards2007
And don't forget the teachers staying back in country schools to take their professional learning via Centra videoconference.

The teaching profession does indeed set itself demanding standards. As the charter says "We take responsibility for the development and renewal of our profession. We act to advance the quality and reputation of teaching through professional learning and reflection."

Tags: standards professional teaching professional associations awards professional learning
Posted at 02:01PM Feb 01, 2009 by Pru Mitchell  |  Comments[0]