We’ve got new educators covered

By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

Welcome to the 2021 school year! For some of you, this will be your very first classroom and while this can be a daunting experience, there is support available. While the Department of Education (DoE) provides support to early career teachers, including access to the Graduate Teacher Induction Program, the In-Class Coaching Program and school-based mentors, the State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. supports early career teachers through: • The New Educator Network (NEN).

• Professional development with our Education and Training Centre.

• Advice when you need it through our Member Assist Team, as well as industrial organisers and the Growth

Team.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure or are seeking clarity.

Graduate Teacher Induction Program

All graduate teachers need to complete the four graduate teacher modules in their first 30 months of teaching. These structured professional learning modules are designed to build skills, effectiveness, and confidence. Seize these opportunities to sharpen and refine skills, network, and advance in your career. These modules comprise of four two-day professional learning sessions. Modules one, two and three are completed sequentially while the fourth module may be accessed at any time within the first 30 months of teaching.

In-Class Coaching Program

Graduate teachers are encouraged to request a teaching and learning coach through the In-Class Coaching Program. This program is a confidential, nonjudgemental professional learning experience that supports graduate teachers to:

• Develop and refine classroom practice.

• Participate in lesson observations and reflection.

• Implement learning from the graduate teacher modules in practice.

• Work towards the proficient career stage.

To request a teaching and learning coach, you must:

• Have a contract with the department for the duration of the program.

• Be in your first 30 months of teaching.

• Have completed graduate module one.

You can submit a request form online through DoE’s IKON portal. Don’t forget to discuss your intention to request a teaching and learning coach with your principal.

Growth Team

Education and Training Centre

The SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre can provide high quality industrial, professional, career development, financial and occupational health and safety courses to support your needs. All our courses are conducted by skilled, experienced and passionate educators who provide outstanding learning opportunities around a wide range of topics and industrial matters. To see what is on, view the full training calendar at sstuwa.org.au/training

Member Assist

Our Member Assist staff are supported by a team of organisers and legal advocates offering advice to members. No question is too small, so if you need information or want to clarify what you have been told, give them a call on 9210 6060 or reach them via email: memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

Our Growth Team has all the information and support you need to make it through those difficult early years of your career. Our New Educator Network offers an environment where you can talk to people who have been through, or are having, the same experiences as you. You may wish to connect with other early career teachers through the NEN. This group provides the advice, support and networking opportunities new educators need at the early stages of their careers. To find our more, contact the team at neweducator@sstuwa.org.au or find us on Facebook: New Educator Network – WA.

The SSTUWA really does have early career teachers covered. In the next edition of Western Teacher, we will be looking in depth at graduate teacher entitlements. Remember, your rights, entitlements and responsibilities as a public school teacher in Western Australia are laid out in the School Education Act Employees’ (Teachers and Administrators) General Agreement 2019 and the Teachers (Public Sector Primary and Secondary) Award 1993.