In the spotlight
By Mrs Alison Steven, Acting Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
"I teach that I may learn" – The Teachers’ Guild of NSW
Ongoing professional development is key to maintaining high-quality teaching and responding to the evolving needs of students. As instructional coaching expert Jim Knight reminds us, “When teachers stop learning, so do students.” Schools that prioritise coaching and mentoring become dynamic environments where continuous growth is the norm for both staff and students.
Engaging in peer coaching transforms practice. It builds a school-wide culture of curiosity, resilience, and shared responsibility. At its core, this approach encourages reflection, collaboration and a commitment to evidence-informed improvement. Rather than working in isolation, teachers observe one another, share feedback and learn together, strengthening their practice and modelling the kind of lifelong learning we aim to instil in students.
When educators embrace a growth mindset, students benefit. Through reflective practice, experimentation and learning from mistakes, teachers demonstrate that success is built on persistence, not perfection. This mindset empowers students to persevere through challenges and believe in their capacity to grow.
The Radford Institute, in partnership with The Teachers’ Guild of NSW, was thrilled to host a professional learning event this week. More than 100 educators from Radford and schools across Canberra took part in rich dialogue about the role of coaching and mentoring in teacher development and instructional improvement. Together, we explored high-impact strategies that elevate teaching and learning. We were challenged to foster a culture of trust and shared learning, one that empowers teachers to set meaningful goals and ask the right questions.
We extend our sincere thanks to The Teachers’ Guild of NSW President, Dr Frederick Osman, and Guild Master Coaches, Sarah Warby and Matthew Woolaston, for leading the workshop. This event was part of the ‘Guild on the Road’ initiative, which brings educators together to exchange ideas, reflect on practice and strengthen professional networks. We are grateful for the strong connections we have with our colleagues across the ACT and our shared commitment to fostering excellence in education through collaboration, continuous learning and professional growth.
Please see a gallery of the event below.
References:
- AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). (2022). Coaching and Mentoring Strategy.
- Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
- Hattie, J. (2009). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement.
- Knight, J. (2007). Instructional coaching: A partnership approach to improving instruction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press
- Timperley, H. (2011). Realizing the Power of Professional Learning.