When we look at organising a Professional Development seminar or workshop, the first thing we look at is local need. Common sense says this has to be our first port of call because if the PD isn't of substantial value for local CRTs we will have a presenter looking at an empty room and will have wasted the limited resources that are on offer to run these PDs!
The CRT Professional Learning Support Initiative is where we receive the majority of funding for local PD Workshops that we run. The DEECD provides us with a funding framework and quality guidelines that ensures we don't get caught out when selecting Presenters! The DEECD helps us bring you PD Workshops that are as cost effective as they are in bringing you information on the most up-to-date teaching practices available. This ensures that we are able to bring you as many opportunities as possible on the wide range of topics.
The money from this initiative and other funding sources is split up across Victoria in a very specific way to ensure that opportunities are available Victoria wide. We receive Funding that is split with Shepparton to bring PD opportunities to the Hume region.While the DEECD assists us by supplying us with a list of Presenters and learning plans that are 100% suitable, they also recognise the value of having local feet on the ground. Local knowledge means we will be aware that there is another presenter offering just as good a seminar, or better, for less. They encourage us to seek out these presenters in order to bring you the maximum amount of PD possible on the available funding.
They also understand that local factors matter. The needs of CRTs in hume might not be the same as Gippsland or Geelong. If the DEECD presenter does not include a presenter for the topic we need we are likewise encouraged to seek out a relevant local or state presenter to provide us with the tools we need.
These measures ensure that Victorian CRTs receive a well-rounded selection of the best local and state presenters on offer for minimal or no cost to the attending CRTs!
Most of the PD opportunities we are able to organise will be open to every eligible CRT in Victoria although, of course, travelling to a closer Network is usually more sensible! Although the VIT CRT Networks are utilized for the organizational aspects of these PD Workshops, the benefits of these Workshops are intended to reach every Victorian CRT who wants to access them. We take that intention to heart! Being a Network member will not help or hinder you in booking a seat in the DEECD funded PD we organise.
What are you waiting for? Start taking advantage of the opportunities that the DEECD is offering.
Melinda Lichnovsky-Klock
The Wodonga CRT Support Network Coordinator.
