As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
Each year at Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Blakehurst, we focus on specific areas for improvement and strategically plan professional development for staff to develop their capacity and to support the implementation of the improvements. We use staff meeting time each week, staff development days, and collaborative planning time to develop teacher capacity.
At Mater Dei, we support teachers to enhance their leadership skills. Some teachers are pursuing further study and are part of the Aspiring Leaders program or the Pathways to Principal program. A number of teachers are seeking further accreditation with NESA at the lead and highly accomplished level.