|
|
Speech by the Hon Verity Firth MP, Minister for Education and Training
Delivered at the 2008 Professional Teachers' Council NSW Annual Presentation Evening on Tuesday 16 December 2008 at the PTC NSW Conference Centre, 101 Norton Street Leichhardt
2008 PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ COUNCIL NSW
ANNUAL PRESENTATION EVENING ADDRESS
- Karen Buck, President of the Professional Teachers’ Council
- Directors of the board of the Council
- Distinguished guests
- 2008 Award recipients
- Ladies and gentlemen.
Let me begin by Acknowledging we are on the traditional land of the Gadigal and Wangal people. I would also like to pay respects to the elders, both past and present, of the Eora Nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present this evening.
I am delighted to have this opportunity to present these prestigious awards conferred by the Professional Teachers’ Council.
Tonight’s awards include Media Awards, Outstanding Professional Service Awards as well as the Exceptional Service Awards.
The relationship between high quality teaching and improved student learning is undeniable. Every parent knows it and research confirms it. Teacher Quality is the single most significant variable that affects the progress of student learning.
The Professional Teachers’ Council NSW is an organisation that exemplifies a commitment to the professional development of teachers and to enhancing the professionalism of teachers and the quality of education in NSW.
The collaborative efforts of the educators who involve themselves in the varied work of subject associations provide an invaluable support to the development of NSW teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
The work of the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW reflects and complements the role of the NSW Institute of Teachers.
The Institutes’ Professional Teaching Standards, developed largely by teachers, outline what teachers need to know, understand and be able to do to be effective members of their profession.
Those teachers who work diligently in their professional associations exemplify many of the qualities described in the standards, particularly the standards of Element 6: Teachers continually improve their professional knowledge and practice.
The activities of the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW are underpinned by the recognition that professional learning is career long work for effective teachers.
Teachers who are active members of their subject associations and the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW demonstrate their professional commitment to this ongoing improvement in knowledge and practice of teachers.
Tonight we publicly honour educators who, in addition to their demanding work as teachers, provide service in a voluntary capacity to the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW and its member associations.
These teachers make a significant contribution to effective teaching and learning for students in all NSW schools by promoting, supporting and advocating for the professional development and growth of their colleagues these teachers make a significant contribution to effective teaching and learning for students in all NSW schools.
The quality of all education systems depends on the support of professional associations such as the Professional Teaching Council and teachers at all levels within our schools and within the structures that support schools.
The NSW government is committed to supporting and enhancing the quality of teaching in our schools. The support and encouragement of these outstanding award recipients have enriched all our education systems, enhanced the work of our teachers and made a significant difference in our schools.
Congratulations are due to the recipients who have worked cooperatively together, sharing expertise to improve the outcomes for our students.
The passion each recipient has shown for their subject area and their commitment in sharing this knowledge within their schools and organisations is to be commended. The time taken to actively participate and lead their associations and contribute to the ongoing professional learning of their peers is central to that commitment.
Professional associations and the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW complement and make an invaluable contribution to teaching and learning programs in schools.
Tonight is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the huge professional commitment which motivates so many of you to do this work for your colleagues.
We recognise tonight that the achievements of the professional associations is based on the work of a band of people who spend long hours organising publications and events, engaging speakers and presenters.
The same people work their way through wide-ranging professional reading, consult with and represent their fellow teachers on committees at the NSW Institute of Teachers, the Board of Studies and at various state and national forums.
Congratulations to all those receiving awards and thanks to all of you for what you have given of yourselves for the benefit of the profession of teaching and for the learning of our young people.
Tonight we celebrate your achievements.
Thank you.
|
|