Lifelong learning: an experienced teacher reflects on QTU new educators training
Teaching, by its very nature, is one of those fields where there is always something more to learn.
Every day teachers go to school we learn something, whether it’s through metacognition, curriculum content, student responses or reflections on pedagogy. Attending new educators training was no different as far as learning experiences go. After six years in the game, I continued my journey of lifelong learning in the field of education.
Throughout the seminar in Roma, presented by QTU South Queensland Organiser Zeb Sugden, I was often left wondering why I hadn’t attended something similar in my first few years in the profession. I think part of it was because I felt like my head was already swimming with too much new information and I didn’t think I could fit any more in there!
However, I wish I had. It’s the beauty of hindsight, I guess. Luckily, as a mentor in the newly introduced beginning teacher mentoring program, I know my new-found knowledge will be put to good use – not only in my own practice, but also for the benefit of my current mentees and future beginning teachers.
As experienced teachers, we know that enduring the first few years isn’t just about survival in the classroom, it’s so much more. In those early years we learn more about our role in the profession and how our values align with reality; we learn about our rights and responsibilities as practitioners and facilitators of learning; and we form networks and contacts that we can rely on wherever our careers take us. The new educators training addressed many of these pressing topics and more (for both permanent and contract teachers), ranging from the transfer process to taking leave, teacher induction, working hours, and developing professional learning goals. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with their peers, something that, in a rural setting, is incredibly important and invariably useful. Some of the local QTU representatives were also available to meet and greet new educators.
All in all, the new educators training was a wonderful opportunity for beginning (and experienced) teachers, and I thank the QTU for the opportunity to attend.
Candace Davis
QTU member and mentor
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 120 No 4, 5 June 2015, p27
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