At last week’s executive meeting the PPA executive received an update on the Teacher Improvement Program from Mark Anderson who is the Director, Staff Efficiency and Conduct at EPAC. Colleagues who have teachers at their schools with performance issues can take heart, as the DoE is taking steps to support the process. In a nutshell:

• There has been a trial of Employee Performance and Development Advisors in the Ultimo and Tamworth Operational Directorates. These Advisors have worked closely with school teams to provide guidance and support in navigating the implementation and administration of what can be a complex process.
• This trial has been evaluated very positively both statistically and via principal survey.
• This support is slated to be rolled out statewide in Term 2, 2019.
• Schools are encouraged to identify executive staff to nominate for these positions.
• The Teacher Improvement Program guidelines have also been revamped / streamlined and are due to be released early in Term 1.