QTU unveils QuEST, its new professional development arm
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 2, 15 March 2019, page no. 10
The QTU is proud to announce a new and exciting initiative - QuEST (Queensland Education Support and Training), the Union’s brand-new professional development arm.
QuEST’s goal is to deliver high quality professional development to teachers and school leaders across Queensland. As the new Professional Development Officer, I am working closely with QTU Officers, members and external providers to identify a suite of professional development programs to meet the needs of our members right across this diverse state.
QuEST will offer a range of programs, face-to-face and live online, all of which will be open to all members. As a not-for-profit initiative, QuEST aims to keep professional development affordable and consequently operates on a cost recovery basis. All courses fulfil QCT CPD requirements. The face-to-face programs to be offered across the state during 2019 include the following.
BlackCard® cultural capability
Full-day and two-hour programs developed by Aboriginal Elders and educators. These programs aim to build cultural knowledge and help teachers work more effectively with First Nation students, parents and community members. They are ideal for any teacher seeking to develop their skills relating to Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) descriptors 1.4 and 2.4, including those working towards HAT or lead teacher certification.
Reconnecting to learning – understanding the traumatised child
Full-day and two-hour programs targeting a deep understanding of how early trauma, abuse and neglect can impact on the developing brain. Our presenters have extensive experience in working with complex trauma cases and have trained with the Child Trauma Academy in the USA. They utilise evidence-based approaches to re-engage children and to build skills in teachers and school leaders alike and, as school leaders, have specialised in working with children who are disengaged and display extreme behaviours, many of whom have experienced trauma. Both have also been foster-carers for high-needs children and have a wealth of experience to draw on.
Healthy conversations, healthy culture
Full-day and two-hour programs facilitated by internationally recognised behavioural scientist and negotiator Allan Parker. Allan, who has written several books, including the best-selling “Switch on your brain” and “The negotiator’s toolkit”, has developed “Healthy conversations, healthy culture” specifically to meet the needs of Queensland teachers and school leaders. Participants will learn a range of skills and micro behaviours aimed at building relationships and developing positive cultural improvement in the workplace, with a focus on learning to prevent or resolve complex situations, whether involving parents, students or staff.
Schools that deliver – leadership masterclass
Full-day leadership masterclass by the authors of “Schools that deliver”, Dr John Edwards and Bill Martin, founders of an international network of schools and developers of an award-winning school transformation process. These masterclasses will suit any leader wanting to tap into world-class research-based leadership skills and are ideal for school leadership teams looking to work together more strategically.
Highly accomplished and lead teacher
An introductory 1.5-hour program and four-hour intensive program to support members working towards HAT or lead certification. Presented by experienced assessors, these workshops provide a range of tips and tools and develop participants’ skills in understanding and interpreting the APST and gathering evidence to demonstrate their practice.
Supporting leaders in supporting staff
A full-day program developed by QTU Officers Rebecca Hack and Paige Bousen, this practical program aims to support school leaders in working with teachers across the full range of career stages and capabilities. We will look at using existing processes more effectively to develop teachers, including the revised annual performance review processes, managing unsatisfactory performance procedures, working with HAT and lead aspirants, and supporting aspiring leaders. A key focus will be on maintaining positive relationships and managing these processes without creating undue workload or stress for school leaders.
Online training
QuEST will also be online, with a range of high quality, low cost, live web-based professional development programs. Sessions will generally be 60-90 minutes in duration and occur outside of school hours. The programs cover a range of topics, such as classroom management, high quality teaching practice, supporting beginning teachers, teacher wellbeing and quality leadership, and are ideal for temporary teachers who may find it difficult to complete mandated professional learning hours. Check www.qtu.asn.au for details.
If your school or cluster is interested in these programs, contact quest@qtu.asn.au to discuss options. And if you come across any great professional learning experiences that we could incorporate, let us know.