With the theme ‘Now more than ever’ for National Reconciliation Week 2024, it is a time to reflect and continue building momentum towards reconciliation in our schools and early learning services, workplaces, and broader communities. This theme invites all Australians to learn more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how everyone can contribute to promoting reconciliation in our everyday lives - in our homes, workplaces, and social circles.
At AITSL, we take pride in our collective dedication to enhancing cultural responsiveness and nurturing cultural safety. We have put together some tools and resources for National Reconciliation Week to help with your reconciliation journey.
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) make clear the responsibility of teachers to meet the learning needs and aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and indeed all students. Focus Area 1.4 and Focus Area 2.4 of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers identify what teachers need to know and be able to do in order to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to teach all students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, history and culture.
Work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators to plan opportunities for families to meet the teaching team or hold meet and greet events out in the community
AITSL has a range of illustrations of Practice to help you with advice and support in teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, languages and cultures.
Use this tool to reflect on your self-awareness of worldviews, assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, and biases in relation to personal identity and culture.
The continuum provides a shared language and understanding of intercultural development while reflecting the non-linear process of building cultural responsiveness.
Learn more about your current stage of intercultural development and find recommended actions to support your ongoing learning, so that you can improve your teaching practice.
AITSL has a range of papers and reports to gain evidence-based insights, including the recent spotlight: The impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators.
Narragunnawali supports schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.
They recently launched National Reconciliation Week resources for Early Learning, Primary and Secondary schools.