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Early Career Teachers: Teaching, Driving and other
Adventures
MATSITI 2012 NationalConference, July 9 – 11, 2012
Tammy EdwardsonStrategic Policy Officer, Aboriginal Recruitment and RetentionDECD, South Australia
Teaching, Driving and Other Adventures
• Teaching is.....• Teacher as Learner • Teacher Toolbox• Driving Safely• Going the Distance• Enjoying the Ride and
Future Destinations
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Teaching is…..
How do you describe teaching?
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Teacher as Learner
Why did you become a teacher?
What motivates you?
Who inspires you?
Teacher as Learner
• Teacher as life long learner• Pace yourself• Learn from your students, colleagues and
community• Be reflective• Access regular debriefing• Avoid acceleration in the first five years
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Teacher as Learner• Set short, medium and long term goals• Do a few things well• Be aware of your expectations• Know your limits
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Teacher Toolbox
• Role clarification• High quality induction• Ask questions• Access high quality resources - refer to handout• Code of Ethics - in and out of school • Access training that supports your professional
knowledge and development
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Driving Safely
• Develop relational trust• Know your students and community• Work in collaborative teams• Build and maintain your emotional and
professional networks
- Seek out high quality buddies and mentors
- Network with your peers
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Strong Professional Networks
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Driving Safely
• Be reflective, persistent and patient• Creatively problem solve• Hone in on and value your strengths• Maintain hope and optimism
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Going the Distance• Take rest stops, refuel and refocus• Recharge the batteries – sufficient sleep, regular exercise and
good nutrition
• Self reward in constructive ways• Keep a full tank to arrive
at your next destination
• Family, community and
work balance
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Staying Focused
• Stay calm• Pause and reflect • Be consistent
and persistent• Externalise behaviour
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What is working?
Enjoying the Ride and Future Destinations
• Those “Ah ha!” moments• Teacher as Leader• Celebrate your achievements• Family, community and work balance• Plan your future destinations
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Enjoying the Ride and Future Destinations