Teacher Learning Groups is a New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) initiative being piloted in 2013.

Following a review of the PPTA professional conference, Executive decided to support professional activities that are more teacher directed, locally connected, on-going and based on good evidence for what helps teachers to learn.

PPTA is currently looking for three secondary teachers to lead the pilot Teacher Learning Groups.

Download Facilitator application form for PPTA Teacher Learning Groups

Information about the Teacher Learning Groups and the facilitation role

Applications close 28 September 2012

The reasons for PPTA establishing Teacher Learning Groups are to:

• provide an opportunity for teachers to have funded, collaborative professional learning that is broader and more self-directed than much of what is currently available
• connect PPTA with what  teachers care about – discussions about teaching and learning

The choice of the three facilitators will be made by PPTA based on:

• The likely interest in their chosen topic
• The relevance to secondary teachers of their proposed topic
• The facilitator’s professional credibility and aptitudes for the role.

Examples of the types of topic that could be explored by the groups include:

• Teaching in open-plan modern learning environments
• Use of a particular technology for enhancing student engagement and achievement
• A cross/inter curricular inquiry
• A focus on building safe and peaceful classrooms – e.g. a particular restorative practice approach

The purpose of each group is determined by the participants, but these are envisaged as encompassing methods and approaches such as:

• Action research
• Professional conversations
• Book study groups
• Subject or theme based inquiries

The groups will be funded for a small amount of teacher release (half-days) and some venue costs and catering.

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