The overall aim of the session is to discuss an intentional approach to building quality teaching by embedding the practices of Positive Psychology, a strengths-based approach that promotes flourishing. Positive educational outcomes are the core business of all schools. In Australia, a recent focus on articulating what constitutes quality teaching and the development of the AITSL standards for teachers and leaders has provided a clear and constructive framework for enhancing learning and teaching in schools. As learning and teaching are human endeavours, how these frameworks are implemented to ensure authentic and sustainable initiatives requires a major focus on building a positive culture and a clear articulation and alignment of expectations, priorities, goals and intentions that are context specific and individualised. Utilizing a Growth Mindset, collegial coaching and fostering reflective practices are two approaches which clearly position teachers towards achievement of their goals and aspirations. At St Andrews Lutheran College, Queensland we have adopted a strengths-based approach to teacher development that incorporates these strategies. The approach uses the positive psychology framework of PERMA (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment) and an individualised goals-orientated focus. While our journey with Positive Psychology was initially driven by a desire to improve student wellbeing and learning outcomes, we have found that it has also improved our levels of staff engagement and wellbeing. This has led to enhanced learning and teaching practices in line with the AITSL standards and College’s strategic priorities. The format for this session will be highly interactive and will model an Appreciative Inquiry approach.
