Tayla Buxton S00207327

Professional Learning Plan

Rationale

Students are not the only learners in the classroom. Likewise, teachers are

continually learning and implementing new strategies, approaches and methods that

encourage new and endless possibilities within the school community and the wider

world. Advancing in your professional career is what makes individuals become more

effective in their professional life, through meaningful contributions that can benefit

other aspects of life as well.

Being a graduate, I know that I am only at the very beginning of my learning

journey, but my experiences in the classroom during professional placements has

influenced my teaching and learning in a positive way. I feel as though I have gained

the knowledge and skills I need to address students’ learning challenges, plan and

personalise lessons, differentiated learning, monitor student progress and nurture

student wellbeing. Teachers have many duties and responsibilities that they have to

manage all at once, thus illustrating the complexities of the professional demands of

teachers. For this reason, ongoing professional development aims to enhance my

teaching quality so I can better my performance and raise student achievement and

learning of my future students.

Understanding the student and how they learn will be a constant learning

component in my teaching practice, as no two students are the same. Applying this

informally in the classroom but also through discussions with other teachers, parents

and professional development opportunities will strengthen my teacher effectiveness

within this rapidly ever-changing world on an educational perspective.

Tayla Buxton S00207327

Goal One

My first goal addresses Standard 2. know the content and how to teach it,

specifically focus area 2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous

Australians. Upon reflection and producing my digital portfolio, I recognised that I

have not been exposed to teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,

therefore, I have no experience or knowledge. It is important to fill this gap in my

learning because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

provides opportunities for all students to deepen their knowledge of Australia by

engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. “Closing the gap” is also a

key factor to consider.

Strategy

I will work towards demonstrating an understanding of how culture, cultural

identity and linguistic backgrounds impact the education of students from Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and communicating respect for Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages. I will employ to achieve

this goal by interacting with certified online resources, E.g. Australians Together;

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curricula Project; Narragunnawali -

Reconciliation Australia; Your story, Your journey; Victorian Aboriginal Education

Association Incorporation; Wingaru and Cool Australia. This aims to build and

construct my ethical knowledge and understandings of Indigenous Cultures and

Peoples as a teacher within the Australian educational context.

Tayla Buxton S00207327

Goal Two

My second goal addresses Standard 1. know students and how they learn,

specifically focus area 1.6 Strategies to support full participation of students with

disability. I recognise this as a goal for me as I want to broaden my knowledge and

understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support full

participation and learning of students with disability. This goal in particular is

important to fill this gap in my learning because it promotes inclusive education,

which values diversity and the unique contributions each student brings to the

classroom. It also fosters a safe learning environment that creates a sense of

belonging, no matter what the circumstances are.

Strategy

I will work towards achieving this goal by having a discussing with the

parents/carers and the student to develop a strong understanding of the child’s

disability, as well as plan to implement effective and appropriate strategies that will

enhance their participation in their own learning process and development. I think it is

important to remain in constant communication with parents about the ongoing

learning and behaviours of their child, so it can provide an insight as to how to

improve their attitudes towards supporting their learning with a disability, whether it

be physical, neurological intellectual or learning disabilities.

Tayla Buxton S00207327

Professional Networking

I will communicate and collaborate with my mentor teacher, Principals, deputy

Principals, colleagues/teachers, parents and most importantly my students, as they

offer me the ultimate insight into their diverse backgrounds, behaviour, attitudes and

learning needs and expectations. I can also join teaching profiles/groups on

Facebook and communicate with other teachers on their qualified experiences and

advice. This intends to grow my practice as a professional teacher and enhance

learning of my future students.

Professional Networking for teachers focusing on Indigenous Education may include;

- ACDE webinar (Indigenous Education)

- AITSL programs (Australian Professional Standards for Teachers)

- Stronger Smarter online modules

- CESA events (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education)

Professional Networking for teaching concentrating on disabilities may include;

- SINE initiative (School Inclusion Network for Educators)

- Department of Education website (Inclusive education for students with

Disabilities program)

- ABCET webinar or conference (Australian Disability Clearing House on

education and training)