THE AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers comprise of 7 standards that are committed to achieving the highest possible level of teacher quality for Australian students. They articulate quality practice across four career stages that intend to continuously promote the improvement of practice. They define the work of teachers and make explicit the elements needed for high quality, effective teaching. They focus on collaboration, modelling, influencing, coaching, mentoring and supporting within the schooling environment. The following are authentic examples of evidence used during my professional practicum in the classroom and at university to achieve accreditation at the graduate stage. This has better helped me to reflect, plan, collaborate and review my understandings of what it means to be a teacher in 21st century Australian schools.