Victoria’s newest teachers get training boost
Victoria's newest teachers have begun the first statewide learning program specifically developed for graduates.
Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession Peter Hall said the Supporting New Teacher's Practice program offered direct support to first-year teachers, while pairing them with an experienced teacher as a mentor.
The focus is on areas of need such as curriculum and assessment, classroom management, catering for students with mixed ability and working with parents.
Today Mr Hall met 72 first-year teachers at their first workshop in Ringwood East. A further 210 teachers will attend workshops in Geelong, Bendigo, Dandenong, Preston and Traralgon.
"The Supporting New Teacher's Practice program offers the perfect opportunity to apply the theory learned at university to the complexities of real life teaching," Mr Hall said.
"It is universally understood that committed and talented teachers are the single most decisive factor in driving improvement in student learning and bringing about lasting and positive change to young lives."
Last week the Coalition Government announced in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget it would provide $2 million for training for teachers to help them manage difficult classroom behaviour.
The money was in addition to the Budget's $124.4 million funding boost, which will provide an additional 150 welfare officers in primary schools and support the existing 256 welfare officers, while providing $14.5 million to combat bullying and cyber-bullying.
Nearly $30 million was set aside to improve the standard of maths and science education in schools by hiring an extra 100 maths and science specialists and providing 400 scholarships for university science graduates to undertake teacher training.
Over the next four years the Coalition Government will provide more than $700 million in new funding for Victorian schools.
Teachers get training boost 44.53 Kb
