7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

 

Teaching is a wondrously fulfilling profession, however the emotional and physical toll that falls on educators can be hard hitting. Being affiliated with education networks allows contact with peers not only for shared resources and curriculum but also the moral support of being a part of a broader community. Professional networks also have an incredible impact on our professional development and can be a fantastic resource; since joining the Independent Education Union of Victoria and Tasmania (IEU), I have been able to be a part of many PDs that will contribute to my practice as an educator and also socialize with teachers in others schools and methods which has be invaluable.

 

“Every teacher, in each school, in each of our communities deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. They need to be supported with a ‘whole educator’ approach including individual professional learning opportunities and support for teachers in situations of disadvantage.” (CEASA, 2013)

 

Being involved with the wider community and interacting with parents and carers can also have an amazing effect on your ability to educate; by having the support of the families of students you can develop a much deeper understanding of students, their interests, abilities and learning styles. This information is invaluable when producing learning outcomes for students with different strengths and weaknesses. It can also have an effect on how students perform if they feel supported both in school and at home.