Wellbeing, STEM, learning spaces and PD

Our annual reader survey has just closed for another year, but we're already busy working through all the feedback you've shared to ensure we're following up on the topics you've said you want more of.

Readers have asked for more on the popular topics of student and teacher wellbeing, STEM education and learning spaces. Professional development was a topic that also featured heavily in the survey, so we'll endeavour to bring you more on professional learning opportunities in the coming months.

School leaders asked for more on implementing change, innovative approaches to school improvement and engaging in courageous conversations with staff. There are also many requests from principals for support in making better sense of student data.

Graduate and beginner teachers would like more support, in particular, with behaviour management, and how to best plan and support students with different learning requirements in the classroom. They've also requested more practical advice for working with parents.

Casual relief teachers (CRTs) responded to the survey asking for articles that cover the inclusion of CRTs in both the classroom and the staffroom, as well as resources that can help them to improve their practice.

There are several articles we've published in the past few weeks in response to early survey requests. Topics like the importance of being passionate about the Arts, comparisons between global education systems, and programs for supporting students' mental health.

How are you using Teacher in your own practice?

It's really encouraging to hear that many of you are using Teacher content to inform and reflect on your own practice. Hundreds of you shared how you've used the articles to collaborate with colleagues, to disseminate information to others or for your own professional reading. Here's a selection of the feedback you offered.

‘[I've] used topics covered and themes in articles to promote discussion at staff meetings,' a secondary school leader shares.

‘I often use techniques and ideas from various articles, particularly in Behaviour Management and wellbeing,' a primary school educator says.

Discussing professional learning, a secondary school educator said: ‘I have used some of the strategies and ideas for professional learning in our PL program. I have used podcasts in class and in teacher workshops. I share articles with various teachers that I am coaching/supporting.'

This year's prize winner

This year's winner of the survey prize draw – to win a $500 prepaid Visa gift card – is Michelle Licina from Brisbane.

Share your suggestions

Of course, we'll be running the survey again in 2019, but you don't have to wait to have your say. The Teacher team would love to hear from you at any time, so please email teacher@acer.org with your suggestions and feedback.

What do you like most about Teacher and which topics would you like to see covered in the future?

Looking back on your experience as an educator, if you could share one piece of advice with your peers, what would it be?