Making Lessons Outstanding - ATL CPD

I think all teachers aspire to be outstanding practitioners but what exactly does that look like?

The standards seem to be set by Ofsted, and interpreted by SLTs but they change all the time - similar to the standard assessments children have to tolerate.

I too aspire to receive an 'outstanding' lesson feedback - to date I have achieved a couple of 'Good' gradings during professional practice and one 'Requires Improvement' - I was devastated. Then I realised that I had gone from no experience in the classroom, to some 'Good' lessons.

Ofsted have in the past referred to the learning behaviours as an indicator of outstanding practice. If educators can nurture a love of learning and thirst for knowledge they must be doing something right!

The more CPD sessions I attend, in addition to my university studies the more I realise that it is common sense that leads to good practice. Repeatedly the message is given that learning must be relevant and purposeful. And all students must be treated as the individuals they are.

The trainer today, Andy Beddard (@minervaservices) wanted the 'stickability' to be the word typicality - as in good practice being typical practice - not just for show. But the most striking thing that I took away from the session was the statement that teaching is all about relationships. This isn't because it was a revelation. Quite the opposite, it is a deep held belief but I am a novice. I have been in the teaching profession one year and I am still training. It is good to know I am on the right track and this is the first time I have heard it put so succinctly, and in line with my own developing teaching philosophy.

The ATL training is definitely not a magic wand to being an outstanding teacher, and it doesn't claim to be. What it does do is summarise what teachers need to prioritise and make 'typical' in their classrooms - a one off all singing, all dancing lesson is not good enough. Not for Ofsted and definitely not for our children!

Every child deserves good lessons every day of their school life. Outstanding lessons should be in there but teachers are also human. It is unlikely that every single lesson, even of the best teacher is going to be outstanding. But if we aspire to outstanding, good practice is more likely to be be the norm - or 'typicality' of the classroom. It appears to me that teachers need the the courage to find their own way of teaching, with reflection and research to support their methodology.

It is easy for me to espouse these theories as a trainee but my hope is that with a firm teaching philosophy, by the time I am qualified I will have the courage. I will have the knowledge and experience to teach in my way to ensure the children in my class are learning and progressing, with a thirst for knowledge and love of learning and if I'm really lucky, are occasionally inspired!

#ATL #CPD