CRT Networks and DET funded PD.

Recently an email went out to Wodonga Network members detailing some of the technicalities of how renewed access to DET funding to run local PD for CRTs will effect the network and it's members.  When discussion technicalities though, ideals often get left in the dust so I though I would take a moment to have a word about why this PD is funded by the DET in Victoria.

There is, of course, the issue of "I need my hours to remain registered as a teacher" and we do our best to support people to do just that.  We are, after all, VIT CRT Networks so that support is part of our core focus.  The funding from the DET however, contains a significant difference.  The DET and VIT are educational bodies with similar goals but they are also legally separated to ensure the integrity of each.

This creates a large ethical divide between the two although they are both aimed at the same overall goals.  The Victorian Institute of Teaching is concerned with the "suitability to teach" as our registration body.  The DET, however, is in charge of the actual teaching part and is focused on "student outcomes".  We can see this in action in the difference between the relatively open format of PD submissions to VIT to remain registered and the very focused nature of the PDP process from the DET.  Two different approaches based on the same ethic but targeting that ethic in ways specific to the goals of each educational institution.

So when it comes to the CRT Professional Learning Support Initiative, the source of funding for this PD we can once again provide, what does this mean for us in a practical sense?    Well...  The CRT PLSI doesn't care whether you are provisionally or fully registered, there's no guidelines on hours for you to attend, it's only focus is supporting teachers to meet their classroom potential in order to improve student outcomes.

So how would Mel like you to think about all of this?

The CRT PLSI is aimed at upholding the ethics of our profession and maximising student outcomes in Victorian schools.  It understands that in a system where 10% of the average student's education is delivered by CRTs, CRTs need to be effective educators in their own right and attempts to support a "vibrant learning culture" within the CRT community. 

Forget your 20 hours for VIT and go along to these opportunities Networks provide for the reason it is provided.  To get the support you need, the support you deserve, to be great teachers.

Regards,

Mel.