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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