Principals and school leaders from across the Hunter, Upper Hunter and Maitland networks recently met in Scone to focus on explicit teaching and strengthening instructional practice.

“The gathering reinforced public education’s commitment to equipping every teacher and leader with the tools to ensure every student is taught effectively,” the Executive Director, Regional North and West, Lisa Muir, said.

“By coming together to learn, share and refine our practices, we are ensuring that our teachers and leaders have the skills needed to deliver exceptional learning for every child.”

Explicit teaching is a set of principles about teachers explaining and demonstrating material, and students having the opportunity to show they understand, ask questions, practise what they have learnt and get feedback.

The event highlighted the power of collaboration, inspiration and precision in teaching practice, and with Dr Lyn Sharratt the internationally recognised education leader, sharing her expertise.

Leaders explored strategies in explicit teaching, assessment, and instructional practices, with an emphasis on building the capacity of every teacher.

As part of the program, Scone Public School and Scone High School welcomed participants into their classrooms.

Participants were provided with the opportunity to see explicit teaching in action, engage directly with students’ learning environments, and share insights across primary and secondary contexts.

The sessions were to be followed by similar opportunities over two weeks in the Regional North and West Public Schools Directorate, including in Forster-Tuncurry and Coffs Harbour.

The series aimed to involve 530 school leaders and teachers and 96 classrooms.

The professional learning sessions and school visits left participants inspired, energised, and united in their vision of ensuring every teacher is supported in delivering outstanding teaching, and every student is given the opportunity to thrive.