Embedding the NSW Institute of Teachers Framework of Professional Teaching Standards into the Master of Teaching Secondary Program at the University of Western Sydney

The Framework for Professional Teaching Standards as articulated by the NSW Institute of Teachers describes clear benchmarks for identifying and describing effective teaching. The Standards provide a language that can be used by teachers to communicate within their community about their profession and in so doing advance the status and standing of the profession. This paper will report on how this Framework is being used as a common frame of reference in the professional experience units of the Master of Teaching secondary program at the University of Western Sydney where pre-service teachers are required to apply their knowledge and attainment of the Standards in varied contexts, both in and outside of classroom settings. The purpose of the Standards application is seen as a significant benefit to pre-service teachers in their preparation for their accreditation for teaching in their first year of teaching and throughout their teaching career.