Short articles

At Pakuranga College in Auckland, New Zealand, gathering data and using evidence-based resources is the basis of their professional development. Here, Deputy Principal Larraine Barton shares how a Teacher magazine podcast informed part of the beginner teacher program at the school.

While COVID-19 is grinding much of society to a halt, schooling has entered uncharted territory. During this time, it is important that teachers look after themselves. Our latest reader submission shares several evidence-backed strategies that can help support teachers’ wellbeing.

What makes a teacher great? In our latest reader submission, David de Carvalho, CEO of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), explores some of the characteristics that great teachers have in common.

The Alfa Omega School in Indonesia is an example of architects working alongside the local community to come up with a functional facility that’s also easy on the eye, and the environment.

Researchers have assessed the impact of physically active lessons on students’ educational, health and cognition outcomes. They found that implementing physical activity into classroom lessons has a positive impact on some domains.

Teachers in Indonesia are highly valued and well respected by members of the public, according to an international report.

Developing the expertise of teaching and supporting staff is a key element in improving outcomes for all students. This school has moved away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to staff professional development, and is now exploring creative opportunities to allow teachers to have a voice in how they develop as professionals.

School leadership is a complex role, and leading a small school can present its own challenges. Experienced school leader Alasdair Maclean has spent his career in small schools. Reflecting on what he’s learned, he tells Teacher that building productive relationships is crucial.

In today’s Q&A, Indonesian early childhood educator Hikmah Mulia Dewi – who made the Global Teacher Prize top 50 this year – shares an example of a hands-on learning activity for students exploring the batik industry, and details of the programs she’s developed to involve parents and the community.

An early childhood teacher who founded her own preschools in Indonesia has beaten more than 10 000 nominees to be named one of the top 50 educators in this year’s Global Teacher Prize.