7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Throughout my studies and on placement I have cultivated professional connections. I have done so through professional conversations with mentors, other staff and allied health professionals on placement; at my ES role and with preservice teacher colleges through informal conversations, social media and Deakin Alliance Assessment circles.

I have also joined a number of teacher organisations such as the Australian Education Union, Art Education Victoria,  Geography Teachers Association of Victoria (GTAV and Design and Technology Teachers Association (DAATA).

I plan to to extend this further and participate more fully in these networks. I plan to attend conferences, such as the upcoming CAMPference to build stronger teacher networks and build local connections with organisations such as Platform and Nobody’s Fool Theatre.