Mentoring New Teachers

In conversation with a beginning teacher recently, the question of pedagogy came up. What is pedagogy? The Oxford dictionary defines pedagogy as"  The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept." Teaching as inquiry is an important aspect of effective pedagogy The NZ Curriculum defines pedagogy as: " Teacher actions promoting student learning " There is also  culturally responsive pedagogy. Ako  underpins the Practising Teacher Criteria and is an important component of culturally responsive teaching and learning.  A good way to check if you are including effective pedagogy in your lesson plans & units of work is to use these sentence starters. I create a supportive learning environment by........... I encourage reflective thought and action by............. I enhance the relevance of new learning by.............. I facilitate shared learning by.................. I make connections to prior learn...

At a recent meeting with PCTs there seemed to be some confusion around evidence for appraisal and evidence for certification. Appraisal Appraisals are about   " improving teacher capability and student outcomes " (ERO). That is why the teacher's goals are linked to the vision and goals of the strategic plan of the school. Often there will be a school goal, a department goal and a personal goal. The appraisal process is  focused on valued outcomes for students, from goal-setting, evidence gathering and analysis, observations and professional discussions to the annual report (ERO). Attention can de directed to priority students and evidence from teachers' inquiries can form the basis of an appraisal discussion. So teachers choose their own goals within the guidelines & parameters set by the school. Originally this process did not include the Registered Teacher Criteria but the Practising Teacher Criteria are now being used in appraisal. There has been confus...

As part of the certification process, provisionally certificated teachers are required to reflect on the learning that has taken place on the things that they are reporting on. There could be reflection on: PLD - what did you learn from whole school PLD, departmental PLD, Mentor PLD meetings - what meetings have you attended, date, time, who with, brief summary reflection teachers whose lessons you have observed - what did you take bck into your own practice and how did it go? learning conversations with mentors, colleagues, SLT reflection on the PAT & asTTle data you have received for your classes reflection on NCEA assessments you have made How does the use of the SOLO taxonomy lift the quality of student thinking and work? What culturally responsive practices have you used with Maori/Tongan, Samoan etc students - what was the result? How do the key competencies and school RISE values fit into the students' learning? This reflection tool can help with the refle...