Teaching Standards

Different countries will have different teaching standard to ensure high quality education for all children.

Here we will look into the Australian Teaching Standards. In Australia, The Professional Teaching Standards which was published in February 2005, provide a common reference point to articulate, celebrate and support the complex and varied nature of teachers' work. They describe what teachers need to know, understand and be able to do as well as providing direction and structure to enhance the preparation, support and development of teachers. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

These standards were developed by the Institute in partnership with teachers from around NSW which were validated in a study conducted by the University of New England. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

These teaching standards were divided into three domains which are professional knowledge, professional practice and professional commitment. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

Professional Knowledge encompasses knowledge and understanding of the fundamental ideas, principles and structure of the subject/disciplines taught by teachers. It includes knowledge and understanding of the links to other content areas as well as integration of that learning across and between content areas. This knowledge includes the application of content to curriculum requirements as they apply in the school. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

Professional Practice focuses on the action or process of teaching as well as the knowledge and skills gained through experience as a teacher. It encompasses the effective development of teaching and learning programs and the appropriate organisation, selection, development and use of materials and resources. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

Professional Commitment encompasses the capacity of teachers to reflect critically. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]

on their own practice accompanied by a commitment to their own development. A major component of this is the ability to engage in personal and collegial professional learning including contributing to professional communities. This domain also describes the relationship of teachers to the wider community. Teachers do not operate in isolation but rather value opportunities to engage actively with other members of their profession and their school communities. They understand and value the importance of close links between the school, home and community in the social and intellectual development of their students. And finally, it is concerned with ensuring teachers adopt professional ethics with regard to their own conduct and that of others. This includes the capacity to act professionally at all times in their dealings with students, peers, colleagues and the community. [source: nswteachers.nsw.edu.au]