AN Australian-first academy for high-performing teachers is set to open in Victoria in 2022 with Ballarat chosen to host a regional site of the initiative.<\/p>\n
Last week Acting Premier James Merlino announced $148.2 million from the upcoming state budget will go towards establishing the\u00a0Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, a new statutory authority.<\/p>\n
From January 2022, the authority will deliver advanced professional development for the best teachers across government, Catholic and independent schools from a purpose-built facility in Melbourne’s CBD.<\/p>\n
Seven regional academies, located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Bairnsdale, Mildura, Moe and Shepparton, will also be established by the end of 2022.<\/p>\n
“Teaching is a noble profession. Teaching is a profession that changes lives, and we want to see the very best teachers, right here in Victoria,” Mr Merlino said.<\/p>\n
He said the academy is based upon similar professional development programs available for teachers in Singapore, which boasts one of the world’s best education systems.<\/p>\n
The academy’s flagship offering will be the Teaching Excellence Program, a one-year intensive course for up to 500 teachers, which will cover core curriculum areas including English, mathematics, science and the arts.<\/p>\n
Other programs will focus on developing a pipeline of emerging leaders and aspiring principals.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, herself a former teacher, welcomed the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all want all children to receive a world class education, and quality teaching and learning is at the centre of that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy supporting our teachers in their professional development and leadership skills, we are ensuring that students get the quality education they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed academy will build on the work of the existing Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership, the professional learning arm of the state’s education department.<\/p>\n
Legislation will soon be introduced to state parliament to establish the new authority.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n