Western Sydney University Dean of Education appointed to Teacher Education Expert Panel
Western Sydney University congratulates Professor Michele Simons, Dean of the School of Education, on being appointed to the Australian Government’s Teacher Education Expert Panel.
To be led by Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney, the Expert Panel will conduct a review into how teaching is taught at universities, and will make recommendations to the Federal Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, on how to:
- Strengthen the link between performance and funding of initial teacher education
- Strengthen initial teacher education programs to deliver effective classroom ready graduates
- Improve the quality of practical experience in teaching
- Improve postgraduate initial teacher education for mid-career entrants.
It follows recommendations of the Quality Initial Teacher Education Review and the key issues raised at the recent Teacher Workforce Shortage Roundtable which discussed the need to boost graduation rates and ensure graduating teachers are best prepared for the classroom.
A highly respected education leader, Professor Simons brings a wealth of knowledge to Teacher Education Expert Panel, in particular her experience in designing and developing programs which include work integrated learning and curriculum informed by research and best practice.
Currently the President of the Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE) and Vice-President of the NSW Council of Deans of Education (NSWCDE), she is also a distinguished researcher having secured a number of nationally-competitive grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation (NVETRE) Program.
Professor Simons said she is pleased to be appointed to the role.
“The work of the Teacher Education Expert Panel provides a great opportunity to bring together the best balance between the quest for evidence-led excellence and practical know-how in teacher education,” said Professor Simons.
“The aspiration is unambiguously to ensure the development of a diverse teaching workforce that is well equipped to meet the needs of all children and young people in our education system.”
In addition to Professors Scott and Simons, the Teacher Education Expert Panel will include:
- Emeritus Professor Bill Loudon (University of Western Australia)
- Rebecca West (former Teacher of the Year)
- Andrew Peach (former Principal of the Year)
- Dr Jenny Donovan (CEO, Australian Education Research Organisation)
ENDS
23 September 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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