Unit rationale, description and aim
The transition from pre-service teacher to early career professional is a critical time for the consolidation of professional skills but is also a period of increased risk for early career attrition.
This unit explores the transition to early career professional within the context of an extended teaching internship in a school environment.
This unit explores a range of factors including the systems, structures, legislation, teacher standards, expectations, workloads, accountability, stress, mental health and political and sociocultural trends that can shape the successful transition into the teaching profession.
The aim of this unit is to support a critical review of professional practices, roles, responsibilities along with existing and potential support strategies and networks that are available to early career teachers with the view of establishing a successful trajectory towards early career success.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify key factors that underpin successful earl...
Learning Outcome 01
Analyse influences on the successful transition fr...
Learning Outcome 02
Examine existing and potential support strategies ...
Learning Outcome 03
Critically reflect on personal and professional de...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- The roles and responsibilities of teachers including duty of care and ethical behaviour
- Career development and pathways for teachers
- Factors influencing early career teacher success
- Mentors and processes for developing proficiency for early career teachers
- Teacher networks and communities of practice
- Accountability and quality standards for practice, with particular reference to codes of conduct and professional standards relevant to local contexts.
- The transition from novice to expert and the development of expertise
- Employing bodies and teacher registration agencies
- Strategies for job applications and interview processes
- Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit explores a range of factors including the systems, structures, legislation, teacher standards, expectations, workloads, accountability, stress, mental health and political and sociocultural trends that can shape the successful transition into the teaching profession. These explorations form the basis for Assessment Task 1.
This unit will support a critical review of professional practices, roles, responsibilities along with existing and potential support strategies and networks that are available to early career teachers with the view of establishing a successful trajectory towards early career success. This critical review is the basis of Assessment Task 2.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Presentation Drawing on your ...
Assessment Task 1: Presentation
Drawing on your experiences gained through your course and internship, choose two (2) factors that can influence a pre-service teacher's successful transition into the teaching profession.
- Clearly define each factor
- Explain the potential benefits and risks associated with each factor
- Explore ways in which the benefits can be maximized and the risks mitigated or managed.
50%
Assessment Task 2: Professional Learning Reflecti...
Assessment Task 2: Professional Learning Reflection
Drawing on your experiences gained through your course and internship:
- Identify and reflect on skills, attributes and professional strategies that enhance your capacity as an early career professional teacher
- Develop a 2-3 year plan for your own ongoing professional learning as a practicing teacher.
- Identify the support networks you will draw on to effectively support your career long learning strategies and articulate what support you feel they will be able to provide to you.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The learning and teaching strategy for this unit is designed to help equip pre-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary for a successful transition to early career professionals.
By combining theoretical foundations with an extended teaching internship, students can directly apply their learning in real-world settings. This approach ensures that they not only understand the key factors influencing their profession but also develop practical skills and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.
Recognizing the importance of support networks and reflective practice, this unit includes dedicated sessions on mental health, stress management, and professional development. These components are crucial for fostering resilience and long-term success in early career teachers.
This unit encourages continuous professional development through regular self-assessment, reflective journaling, and the creation of a professional development plan. This ongoing process helps students to critically evaluate their progress and identify areas for further growth.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Graduate Level
In connection to the learning outcomes, on successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should have developed the following industry specific knowledge based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Graduate Level standards:
Relating toDemonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO2, LO4
Relating toUnderstand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4, LO3, LO2
Relating toSeek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4
Relating toDemonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO2, LO3
Relating toUnderstand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO1
Relating toUnderstand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO1
Relating toUnderstand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO2