CQU's leading idea for 'lighthouse' teachers who move between schools and university has been picked up as best practice at a national level.

The University has developed the idea for leading teachers to be offered casual faculty positions over the past decade and has formalised the practice as integral to the success of its innovative Bachelor of Learning Management degree.

Now, federal Minister for Education Brendan Nelson (Sydney Morning Herald, p1, 10/8/2005) has mooted a new class of teacher at a national level - one who works in both universities and schools and becomes a "lighthouse" for excellence in the classroom.

CQU Dean of Education & Creative Arts Professor Richard Smith said the professional partnership between school teachers and teacher education programs signals a more mature profession.

“Both the university and the schools are strengthened. In Central Queensland, CQU’s BLM has shown the way,” he said.

The practice of employing practising teachers to contribute to teacher education degree programs is one that is already highly valued by each of CQU’s regional campuses and the education communities of which they are a part.

For several years, CQU has enlisted the assistance of teachers to ensure the currency and practicality of its teaching programs.

Sub Dean of the Faculty in Bundaberg, Dr Helen Huntly reports that the success of the BLM is highly dependent on the input of practising teachers who assist full time university staff to link theory and practice, both at university and in the classroom.

Carolyn Wood, deputy principal of Norville State School has been a long-term casual employee of CQU Bundaberg and notes that the strong partnerships developed between the University and the school contribute to the professional learning that occurs in both sites.

“Teaching at the university allows me to bring currency and practical application to the teaching students, but it also provides me with access to the professional conversations and latest research that, in turn makes me a better classroom teacher," Ms Wood said.

This is a notion shared with Deb Davey, a staff member contracted to the faculty.

Ms Davey shares her work hours between the University and Kepnock High School and states that “ working in the university sector contributes positively to my school teaching and has lead me to pursuing further study”.

Rosedale P-12 campus principal Michelle Pole said her staff enjoyed transferring their on-the-ground knowledge to the university students.

“The more realistic the information, the more realistic the scenarios, the more engaged the students are in the learning,” Ms Pole said.

“It is important that we work closely with our university to ensure that the staff that they are creating are closely familiar with our school campuses.

“We encourage students to join classes and join in any professional development or guest speakers or workshops that we may have happening in our schools. They are our future staff and we are helping to mould their development and learnings to create the best equipped teachers we can.”