The senior teacher career path was introduced at CCGS in 1996 with the aim of keeping good teachers in the classroom and rewarding them for the quality of their teaching and learning practices. Since its implementation, which is reviewed regularly to reflect changes within education in Western Australia, a number of Christ Church teachers have been recognised for their professionalism as experienced classroom practitioners.

Director of Staff Development Michelle Gore said it was great to see teachers embracing the senior teacher career path during a time of disillusionment within the profession and the appeal of other industries. “It is wonderful that we have teachers who are willing to undergo the selection process to share their best practice and the exploration of innovative techniques in the classroom,” Mrs Gore said.

Teachers must undertake a rigorous selection process, which includes the submission of a professional portfolio and a panel interview, to be successful in receiving a senior teacher classification. To reach level 1 status, a teacher must be able to demonstrate continuous exemplary classroom practice. Teachers striving for level 2 status must maintain the standards of level 1 while demonstrating their ability to be innovative practitioners within their subject area.

Christ Church would like to recognise the following staff members that hold senior teacher status:

Senior Teacher’s Reach Extends Outside the Classroom

“I’m a person of action – if there is a need, I’ll happily step in and fill it,” says Preparatory School Teacher Librarian, Mary Hookey. Mrs Hookey, who holds a Senior Teacher 2 classification, has been motivating Christ Church boys to read literature and research information for almost 10 years. Previously, she taught in early childhood and upper primary classrooms as well as music, remedial reading and in education support.

Outside the classroom she has been the co-ordinator of water polo, coach of hockey and football, a house teacher and the organiser of events like Clean Up Australia Day. “I am very goal-driven and constantly evaluate my programmes and direction,” she said.

Mrs Hookey, who is currently completing a Masters degree, said her years of experience as a teacher had led her to look outside the classroom. She is a firm believer in networking and has been an active member of various State professional organisations including AISWA Libraries, of which she was president for three years; the West Australian School Library Association; the network for teacher librarians in the Junior School Heads’ Association of Australia; as well as committees for professional development conferences. She was also one of the instigators of The Readers’ Cup Competition for the Children’s Book Council in Western Australia.

The Senior Teacher is constantly on the search for new challenges and is always keen to assist with staff development. “I feel I’m no longer just a teacher within the confines of the Library and that I have a responsibility to support other staff members,” she said. One of Mrs Hookey’s recent initiatives is the Society and Environment collaborative programme whereby the classroom teacher, information technology teacher and teacher librarian combine to meet the needs of all students from Years 1 to 7.
The programme recognises the various needs and developmental capabilities across the year levels in research, information technology, knowledge and skills within the Society and Environment learning area.

Mrs Hookey said the programme had brought significant gains through staff collaboration as well as provision for the boys to work in small groups of up to eight students. “The investment in staff and time given to co-ordinate the programme has been a very positive step for the Prep School and the group lessons are a highlight each week for many boys and staff,” she said. The teacher librarian says teaching at Christ Church provides constant challenges and changes to adapt to. “Being part of a learning community, which values contribution, collaboration, innovation and excellence, makes my efforts all worthwhile.”