The Wodonga CRT Support Network has been bringing Professional Development Opportunities to Upper Hume CRTs in one form or another since 2008. In the beginning we were only holding monthly meetings for a handful of interested CRTs but over time we have built ourselves up to be able to provide an array of PD to suit a wide variety of CRTs. On average we currently provide 8 member-driven meetings a year, 4 Full-day PD Workshops and 3 evening PD Workshops for Upper Hume CRTs. We also provide online tools such as 2 blogs, Youtube and Skydrive online hosting in order to bring services to Victorian CRTs whether they be in the Upper Hume region or elsewhere in Victoria.
So how did this all come about?
In 2008 the Victorian Institute of Teaching started a program with the intention of providing an avenue for teachers to meet regularly, share information and gain knowledge. They started providing the support and guidance to assist those interested in forming locally based volunteer support networks run by local CRTs for local CRTs. VIT doesn't run the networks, each network is an independant group, but they do offer continuing support once the networks are created. To date they are helping to maintain 26 existing CRT Support Networks and have every intention of offering support to start new networks too.
The Wodonga CRT Support Network was started outside this program but we jumped on board, quickly realizing what a benefit it was to be in the VIT program. We are one of two networks in the Hume region, with Shepparton being the other, and we make every attempt to support eachother in everything we do.
Of course being a Regional CRT Network, with only two support groups in Hume, we quickly became aware of the problems facing regional CRTs that their Metro counterparts really don't have. Our "area" covers from Wodonga, down the freeway to Wangaratta and it's outlying schools, down the Kiewa Valley Highway to Mt Beauty and Bogong, and also other areas like Corowa, Myrtleford, Bright and Tallangatta. That's a large distance for CRTs to travel to meet the original VIT intention of meetings.
This is why we have embraced the digital age! Of course you know this by now because you've found our blog. We use the blog to keep everyone in the area up-to-date on the goings on in our network, to provide links to free online Professional Development, to direct you towards Professional Readings to help you with CRT PD requirements for VIT registration and anything else we can think of that would be helpful for CRTs. We also have online file hosting where you can access free resources we've found, free resources that Professional Development presenters have given us and other general documentation we've collected over time.
The other exciting thing we have taken advantage of is the DEECD's Casual Relief Teachers Professional Learning Support Initiative. In 2010 the DEECD made funding available to run Professional Development seminars and workshops just for CRTs. CRT Support Network Coordinators are able to apply for funding to run CRT PDs in their area. It's not a case of "pick from this list and run it", although the DEECD provides a helpful list of pre-approved presenters with already negotiated content, we are able to use other presenters provided we can negotiate content that matches the guidelines for approved funding. This means we have access to an excellent mix of presenters tailored to our local needs!
In 2011, VIT also encouraged CRT Networks to allow Beginning and Returning Teachers, as well as those on Family Leave, membership to assist them in meeting their PD registration requirements.
We are happy to have them as members but there may be occasional
conflicts with our Initiative funding. The main portion of funding we
access is availiable to CRTs and while we can currently offer workshop
seats for Beginning and Returning teachers who are not CRTs, this will
not last forever. Our Monthly Meetings, however, are structured to provide CRTs with Professional Development
opportunities ans attendance will be welcomed at self-funded PD workshops.
We are run by volunteer CRTs and funded through outside sources meaning we are not only free to join but can also run at the minimum possible cost to our members. As CRTs almost all of our PD opportunities, including full-day workshops, cost you ten dollars or less and it is our goal to do everything we can to meet the changing needs of CRTs in our region. Build a community, share knowledge, share resources, offer Professional Development Opportunities and generally support CRTs as they need supporting. It's clear that these networks have a role in making sure that all CRTs meet the Professional Development requirements to maintain their VIT registration. We intend to achieve that by helping you meet, and exceed, those requirements in the most social and enjoyable way we can.
We want you to want to participate for the experience, not have to participate to maintain your registration!
Melinda Lichnovsky-Klock
Wodonga CRT Support Network Coordinator.
