In-Service Teacher Professional Learning in Australia: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19

Abstract: Professional Learning (PL) for Australian teachers is a crucial and integral aspect of their practice and is mandated under Australian legislation. This article briefly describes PL in Australia and outlines the importance of teacher PL, setting out ways it can be undertaken in different jurisdictions around Australia. The focus then moves to a discussion on ways in which PL was impacted during 2020-2021 as a result of COVID-19. In particular, online PL is examined indicating that, for teachers in Australia, the move to online teaching and PL was sudden and was something teachers were not prepared for. Possible futures are explored with potential changes to the implementation of PL, incorporating online and face-to-face modes. Aspects of formal and informal learning are considered accordingly. In focusing on informal learning, the way that social media supported PL during COVID-19 is examined. The potential changing focus of PL as a result of COVID-19 is investigated with a focus on online safety, wellbeing (which includes suicide), and hybrid learning. The discussion on wellbeing indicates a need for increased teacher PL, with increased student concerns being reported as a result of COVID-19. Much of the content is viewed through an Australian lens, although this was not always possible given a scarcity of Australian research in some areas. Keywords: Professional learning, COVID-19, wellbeing, online safety, Australia