Rationale+Staff+PD

The Staff Performance and Professional Development Policy is fundamental to the success and development of school teachers. All students should have access to teachers that are committed and continuously developing their professional knowledge, professional practice, and professional engagement. The Victorian Government requires all staff to satisfy criteria for standards and professional development, in order to receive and maintain registration as a teacher.

The day to day classroom teaching and demands on a teacher's time may inhibit the ability to take part in activities designed to stimulate and enhance a teachers method knowledge and pedagogy. Therefor it is necessary to incorporate guidelines to ensure professional development opportunities are accessible, relevant, and undertaken by staff. Professional development activities stimulate reflection and sharing of information and ideas with colleagues. They also allow staff access to the broader perspectives and newly developed materials to assist their teaching.

Students need teachers that respect the individuality, capacity and backgrounds of their students, and maintain high expectations for student learning. Performance appraisals are incorporated into the policy to provide accountability of staff in their teaching practice. Performance appraisals also allow staff to honestly evaluate their practice with the support of colleagues and industry professionals. Development of professional development plans (PDPs) that arise out of the review process are an important resource for teachers as they allow for prioritizing and focus on areas they wish to develop further. This is critical for students to have access to best teaching practice.

In Victoria, professional development is considered a key component of any teachers growing career. The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Standards of Professional Practice clearly outline the expectations of teachers to maintain their registration as a teacher in Victoria. The three main areas of Professional Knowledge, Professional Practice and Professional Engagement are documented by the VIT as the key aspects for teacher development. These areas cover such things as how to engage students, incorporate new and emerging content, and promotion of positive working relationships within the staff and broader community.

__**References**__ Victorian Institute of Teaching. (2009). //Standards for Professional Practice//. Retrieved from __http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/files/documents/787_standards.PDF__

Victorian Institute of Teaching. (2009). //Your Guide to Teacher Registration//. Retrieved from __http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/files/documents/1602_Your-Guide-to-Teacher-Registration---Professional-Development-Requirements.pdf__