AHISA SUBMISSION

Australian Department of Education

20 April 2023

Response to Teacher Education Expert Panel Discussion Paper

AHISA’s submission focuses on mentoring of pre-service and graduate teachers, presenting evidence to support the view that school-based teacher-mentors are the most appropriate model to maximise the effectiveness of school-based practical experience for a range of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs – including clinical teacher education programs and internships. As well as supporting ITE students’ development, school-based teacher-mentors are able to support the ongoing professional learning of ITE graduates and experienced teachers.

Given the potential impact of a teacher-mentor system on Australia’s teacher workforce, including aiding retention of teachers in the profession, AHISA proposes a national approach be taken by the federal and state and territory governments to formalise and at least partially fund the training and support of teacher-mentors. The submission outlines several steps toward creating a national approach to the training of teacher-mentors.

Response to Teacher Education Expert Panel Discussion Paper – FULL SUBMISSION