Anglican Schools Commission
The Future of Initial Teacher Education:
Anglican Schools Commission’s
Pipe Program
Kathryn Paul, Director Teaching and Learning
 |
The PIPE Program (Professional Immersion Program for Educators) is an innovative trial program which nurtures and develops the next generation of quality educators. The PIPE Program is a partnership between the Anglican Schools Commission and both the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Edith Cowan University (ECU), designed to enhance Initial Teacher Education (ITE).
Working in close partnership with the universities, the Anglican Schools Commission is thrilled to be offering the Program to address current and future staffing needs by creating a ‘pipeline’ of classroom-ready teachers. In this inaugural year of the PIPE Program, the ASC has successfully placed 14 Pre-service teachers from both Primary and Secondary contexts across nine ASC schools in Western Australia.
Pre-service teachers engage in employment as an Education Assistant one day per week within an Anglican Schools Commission school during Terms 2 and 3. University students receive paid and practical experience with dedicated support from an experienced mentor teacher, outside of the formal professional experience placement.
ASC Chief Executive Officer, The Revd Peter Laurence OAM said, ‘Our partnership with ECU and UWA through the PIPE Program provides experienced and engaging mentorship to future teachers while developing high-calibre educators.’
PIPE teachers are placed and matched in ASC schools according to their suitability, location, school preferences and specialised teaching areas. Work patterns are designed to fit in and complement the Pre-service teachers’ studies while they develop their skills, professional networks and relationships in an inclusive and connected community. During their time in the Program, PIPE teachers are immersed in a range of professional learning opportunities and experiences to enhance their studies and develop a repertoire of high impact teaching and learning strategies.
ASC Director of Teaching and Learning, Kathryn Paul, said, ‘We are excited about this collaborative tripartite agreement between the Anglican Schools Commission, UWA’s Graduate School of Education and ECU’s School of Education, which strengthens the relationship between the tertiary sector, ASC schools and our future teachers’.
PIPE teachers commenced in ASC schools at the start of Term 2. They have already outlined the Program’s benefits, including how much they learn about the teaching profession, the practical experience they gain in the classroom, and the extensive mentoring and support they receive from experienced ASC teachers.
ECU’s School of Education, PIPE teacher Jacinta Jensen who is placed in the PIPE Program at St Mark’s Anglican Community School commented, ‘The PIPE Program for me so far has been an amazing experience. The School and staff have been very welcoming to me and made me feel like I am a valued community member. I have loved being immersed in the classroom and getting hands-on experience with teachers and students. I learn a lot every lesson and cannot wait to see what it brings to my studies.’
The PIPE Program positively contributes to raising the status of the teaching profession and is the Anglican Schools Commission’s commitment to elevating and supporting Initial Teacher Education.