More than 30,000 Teachers to Benefit from Education Funding Boost
Improving the quality of school teaching is at the heart of a visionary education program soon to be rolled out in Australian schools. Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR) is a unique program that supports teachers to make a profound and positive impact on students’ lives.
Global education thought leader University of Newcastle Laureate Professor Jenny Gore and colleagues, in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the NSW Department of Education, will expand this program to at least 30,000 additional Australian teachers over the next five years.
At $16.4 million, the Paul Ramsay Foundation grant is the largest philanthropic partnership for research in the University of Newcastle’s history.
In addition to the program’s significant expansion, the funding will support rigorous scientific evaluation of the program and the development of a business model for an outreach hub to support ongoing professional development for teachers.
“I am deeply honoured that the Paul Ramsay Foundation has recognised the great potential of Quality Teaching Rounds. This investment will have a profound impact on teachers and students across Australia, and beyond.” - University of Newcastle Laureate Professor Jenny Gore.
Education is a powerful investment in our future
University of Newcastle researchers are once again at the forefront of work with national and global impact.
“Great teaching is foundational to the well- being of individuals, communities and the nation. This incredible philanthropic support will enable our team to continue to scale this valuable work in schools as we recruit for our 2019 phase.” - Professor Jenny Gore.
Other researchers on this project are Dr Drew Miller (PhD (Human Physiology) 2011; B Teaching 2005/B Health And Physical Education 2005), Dr Jess Harris, Dr Elena Prieto- Rodriguez (PhD (Computer Science)
"Regardless of whether we are observing in a Kindergarten or Year 10 English class, the Quality Teaching model provides us with common elements for evaluating the quality of our practice, in a format that brings us together as educators. It gives us the power to improve our own practice, as the experts in our own classrooms." - Lee-Anne Collins (GC Quality Teaching 2008) Assistant Principal, Tuggerawong Public School.
Elevating teaching and learning in all schools
Originally conceived by Professor Gore and colleague, Dr Julie Bowe, QTR has revolutionised teacher professional development.
Working in groups, teachers across all experience levels – from new graduates to school principals – are empowered to refine their practice collaboratively in a way that ensures ongoing improvement.
QTR puts all participants on the same level, where they can assess the quality of teaching and provide specific feedback to their peers in a non-confrontational and collaborative way.
The program will include teachers in even the most isolated and disadvantaged schools, who often struggle to access professional development, and translate easily to other regions across the world.
Paul Ramsay Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Freeman, said that the Foundation was committed to improving outcomes for Australian students. "Put simply, we have chosen to support Professor Gore and the QTR program because the evidence suggests it will work to strengthen the teaching profession, improve the overall quality of teaching and build the capacity of our education sector.”
Shared values offer solutions to global challenges
The Paul Ramsay Foundation was established by leading Australian businessman, Paul Ramsay AO (1936-2014). The Foundation’s focus is on innovation and systems change, with a commitment to improving health and education outcomes for all Australians.
“We are delighted to be working with the University of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Education to advance this important initiative."
Paul Ramsay Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Freeman
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.