Professional Development and PAG

One of the strengths of the Suzuki movement is the collegiality, sharing and working together that is engendered by the method. Dr Suzuki set an example himself in exhibiting an approach to teaching where learning and change were constant factors. NZSI has offered teachers the opportunity over the last few years to become involved in professional development through branch events and through two highly successful National Conferences. Teachers have also given feedback through a national survey and as a result of this NZSI is moving towards a national teacher registry that will require teachers to undertake an annual professional development requirement.

Currently Teacher trainees can undertake a variety of activities to qualify for registration such as contributing to branch events, publishing professional material in the journal or attending and contributing to professional development sessions within branches and it is envisaged that similar contributions from teachers will qualify them for registration

In 2006 the Auckland Branch are running three sessions for the professional development of their member teachers covering areas such as practice, viewing video talks by visiting experts and sharing concerns in the running of studios. It is envisaged that in maintaining a registration teachers are demonstrating a commitment to the Suzuki method in New Zealand in turn will be eligible to be listed on the National registry of Suzuki teachers, attend national and branch events and to enter their students for graduation and branch events. Other branches plan to run professional development opportunities in tandem with workshop when many visiting experts are available for work with teachers.

Timeline for implementation of the Teacher Registry - watch this space!

Auckland Branch PD

Interested in becoming a Teacher Trainer?

PAG and Teacher Trainers

The NZSI executive is supported by two important groups of teacher professionals, namely the Teacher Trainer Group (TTG) and a sub group of teacher trainers, senior teachers and co-opted members, known as the Professional Advisory Group (PAG).

The TTG is made up of teacher trainers listed on the NZSI Teacher Trainer Registry and their responsibilities in delivering training are outlined in the document pdf icon Responsibilities for Teacher Trainers (151k in PDF format). The TTG meets once a year. This group has constitutional responsibility for agreeing on the criteria for accreditation and qualifications of Suzuki teachers.

Members of the PAG (2007) include Sally-Anne Brown - Cello teacher trainer and TTG coordinator, Dora Harkness - Piano teacher trainer, Karen Lavie - Flute teacher trainer Juliet Le Couteur - NZSI Administrator, Graham McPhail - NZSI President, Stacey Shuck - Violin teacher trainer and Director of Teacher Training and Daphne Stevens - Piano teacher trainer.  As key professionals their role is to advise the executive and to guide in matters of accreditation and qualification of teachers.

pdf icon You can download the PAG and Teacher Trainers Group roles and responsibilities, guiding principles and structure (170k in PDF format).

The PAG meets twice a year in April and September and works to develop policy on professional matters in consultation with the National Executive, teacher trainers and the teacher membership. To contact the PAG concerning any professional matters please email: nzsuz.admin@clear.net.nz or write to NZSI P O Box 74 092, Market Rd, Auckland..

Teacher Training is carried out in the NZSI by teacher trainers listed on the NZSI Teacher Trainer Registry (pdf icon download the Teacher Trainging Registry Policy - 320k in PDF format) and the Overseas Teacher Trainer Registry and is often undertaken as a partnership between the National Institute and branches who may be running workshops and camps at which teacher training can be most successfully undertaken. The structure of this relationship including responsibilities is outlined in the document pdf icon Structure of NZSI Teacher Training Programme (460k in PDF format)

NZSI Teacher Trainers are teachers who feel they have achieved competence as teachers of children and have chosen to pursue the optional goal of becoming an NZSI registered Teacher Trainer. Being an NZSI Teacher Trainer is both a privilege and a responsibility. NZSI is actively seeking senior teachers interested in becoming Teacher Trainers. Developed within the framework of the Suzuki philosophy, the application is designed to encourage self-evaluation and professional growth.