Continuous professional development is a key pillar of Toorak College’s employee offering, empowering both teaching and non-teaching staff to refine their skills. Our teachers adapt to the evolving needs of the classroom and students by integrating innovative approaches and fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Our commitment to professional development enhances effective evidence-based pedagogy, nurturing both academic and personal growth, and ensuring every student thrives in our learning community. Emphasising the power of peer-to-peer teaching and learning, we promote a culture of shared knowledge and continuous improvement, ensuring that every professional teacher contributes to a lifelong learning ethos throughout their career.

How Toorak College promotes professional development and continuous learning

Toorak College emphasises targeted professional development activities for teachers that extend beyond traditional teaching skills and are directly applicable to educational practice. Regardless of experience level, making time for reflection and dialogue is crucial to achieve strong student outcomes.

At the heart of Toorak's teaching philosophy is the belief in continuous improvement and sharing knowledge among peers. Upskill sessions, led by Toorak teachers, are designed to inspire conversation through different learning activities. These sessions prioritise academic and personal growth while aligning with identified growth areas, ensuring professional learning and development that’s both meaningful and impactful.

Here are a few of the workshops we’ve held as part of our professional development program.

Thinking routines with Gabrielle Bent, Curriculum Leader in Humanities, Commerce, and Languages

According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a thinking routine is a “set of questions or a brief sequence of steps used to scaffold and support student thinking”. These routines are designed to deepen students’ thinking and help make that thinking visible. The workshop provided a platform for education staff to share ideas and strategies for integrating flexible thinking into content instruction in order to deepen student learning and engagement.

Drawing on resources for teachers from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero Toolbox and the principles of Socratic thinking, this workshop focused on different ways to encourage students to explore, question, and critically reflect on their learning. Teachers practised implementing these routines and collaborated on ways to tailor them to individual classroom settings.

Throughout the session, educators discussed how these strategies could foster a classroom environment based on student-centred learning and encourage students to become self-aware learners.

Student feedback techniques with Emily Hamilton, Secondary Teacher in Maths and Science

This workshop aimed to transform how Senior School teachers provide feedback, with a focus on student reflection on work and study habits to reduce grade anxiety. The session equipped educators with strategies to encourage students to set their own success criteria, fostering intrinsic motivation and personal growth.

Participants learned how to guide students to reflect on their learning processes and identify strengths and areas for improvement. By emphasising personalised success criteria, we aim to teach students to value their progress and efforts.

The workshop underscored the importance of self-assessment and intrinsic rewards. Teachers discovered how to support students in developing strategies that enhance academic skills while cultivating lifelong learning habits.

Also read: Unlocking student potential: learning how to learn

Creating a culturally safe learning environment with Dr Barbara Joseph, Secondary Teacher in Humanities

Creating a culturally safe classroom is crucial for nurturing an inclusive and respectful learning environment, where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to excel both academically and personally, regardless of their cultural background. This becomes especially important in classrooms that encompass a wide array of cultural backgrounds, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, where these differences may not always be immediately apparent.

Staff engaged in discussion-based workshops aimed at exploring thoughtful and respectful navigation of cultural diversity. They exchanged ideas on practical strategies to acknowledge and celebrate cultural differences with sensitivity, and shared approaches to applying appropriate protocols when using culturally sensitive materials in teaching.

This ongoing dialogue sparked exploration into incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum and enriching the educational experience for all students.

Also read: Embracing diversity amongst students

Understanding anxiety in early childhood with Dianna McKellar, Head of Early Learning

Early learning centre educators collaborated with Peninsula Health Psychologist Kathy Reid to delve into understanding anxiety in early childhood.

Anxiety, worry, and fear are natural emotions children experience as they navigate the complexities of the world around them. During the session, educators explored strategies to aid children in co-regulation by offering predictability and structure within the classroom, implementing relaxation techniques, and considering environmental factors.

The strong relationships children form with trusted educators are central to supporting children managing anxiety. Early intervention and effective communication with families play a pivotal role, particularly in supporting children facing challenges such as selective mutism or clinical anxiety, which can impact their learning and overall development.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, Toorak College not only enhances the skills and methodologies of our staff but also ensures that we provide the best possible environment for our students to thrive. The integration of peer-led professional development opportunities empowers all staff members to contribute to a vibrant and innovative educational community. This collective commitment to growth and improvement underscores our dedication to nurturing lifelong learners, both within our faculties and among our students.

To find out more about available career opportunities at Toorak College, please visit our careers website.

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