NESA acknowledges ECT challenges with pivot to digital learning, gives 5 hour credit

Every New South Wales early childhood teacher (ECT) accredited by the NSW Standards Authority Accreditation (NESA) will receive a one-off credit of five hours towards the 100 hours of professional development they are required to complete every five years in recognition of the extraordinary efforts made by all teachers to rapidly innovate during the height of the pandemic so students could continue to learn from home.

NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell made the announcement yesterday, saying the credit “recognises all early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers who, throughout the global pandemic, adjusted their practices to transform learning in an online environment.” 

“We are recognising that teachers’ professional learning included time spent researching, completing online tutorials, networking and collaborating to further develop the skills they needed to keep our children engaged, stay connected with colleagues and support families during this stressful time for the community.”

Ms Mitchell thanked all teachers, support staff and principals for “putting professional learning front and centre to create entirely new ways of teaching and for supporting the wellbeing of students.”

The five hours of NESA Accredited Professional Development will be added to teachers’ records by the NSW Education Standards Authority by the end of February.