TOP is a peer review programme that fosters professional learning, teaching observations and discussions of teaching practices. TOP aims to build the mentoring capacity of emerging teacher leaders, facilitate peer partnerships and supports schools to build shared communities of practice to enhance pedagogical excellence at ECU in both the on-campus and online spaces.
The programme is flexible and the timing of your meetings and observations are up to you and your partner. There are resources available to help you with your planning and review, and support from the CLT to establish partnerships, structure observations and document outcomes. This programme includes two types of partnerships: Mutual Mentoring and Mentor-Mentee.
A Mutual Mentoring partnership is where two or more colleagues collaborate to improve the quality of, or reinvigorate their teaching. Each person has an opportunity to focus on an aspect of their teaching, identify and set goals, be observed and receive feedback.
A Mentor – Mentee partnership is where one person is highly competent in a specific teaching and learning aspect that the mentee wants to develop. Mentors will be given support to develop their mentoring capabilities and guidance with the format and processes in the mentoring partnership.
These partnerships also have the capacity to evolve in to a forum where teachers can observe each other, share ideas, discuss improvements and work together to develop future educational innovations. Documenting this can be used as part of your ECUonQ evaluation, or be evidence for teaching portfolios for promotion or applying for awards.
To register your interest or if you would like further information about the TOP programme, please contact CLT Senior Academic Developer Dr Audrey Geste a.geste@ecu.edu.au