Download Pathways at DET Host FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Host
What are the objectives of the program?
 Promote public policy and administrative pathways for leading teachers, assistant
principals and principals to strengthen potential career pathways
 Broaden the professional development of senior educational leaders in a range of
strategic leadership skills through;
o exposure to those with such skills
o direct experience in the application of these to real-time issues.
 strengthen professional practice across the Department, through the development of
stronger relationships between school and corporate areas, enabling greater
understanding of how each operates.
When do the placements take place?
The first placements run from 18 April - 30 June 2017 (Term 2). The second placements will
run from 17 July - 22 September 2017 (Term 3). It is anticipated that an induction will take
place in the week commencing 10 July.
Are placements in the central office only?
The Department would like placements offered in central and regional offices.
How many participants can our Group/Division/Unit have?
There is no limitation to the number of participants, however, the Department will endeavour
to ensure there is an equitable distribution of participants across the organisation.
How will placements be allocated?
The Department will review the corporate expressions of interest and match participants
based on the area of interests identified in their applications.
What kind of work will they be doing?
Participants will manage a project or work on a component of a project commensurate with
their experience and skills. For longer term projects participants’ may focus on an element of
the project, for example, research and initiation, planning and implementation, or postimplementation review.
I’m uncertain whether the work we would like undertaken in our Division is suitable for
a leading teacher, assistant principal or principal. How do we identify the appropriate
level?
As a guide, leading teachers could be expected to perform at levels VPS5.2 - VPS6.1;
assistant principals at VPS5.2 – VPS6.2, and principals at VPS6.1 – VPS7.2 and Executive
Officer.
The anticipated timescales of the project we would like the participant to focus do not
fit into Term 3 pilot program placements (17 July - 22 September).
You may consider utilising the participant to focus on an element of the project which may be
more closely aligned to the duration of the placement.
What support will they need?
Work areas will need to ensure the participant’s work station is set up before their arrival. The
program will provide a corporate induction, however, hosting Divisions will provide a local
induction. This will include arranging meetings with key personnel, ensuring they are invited to
Group, Division, Unit and team meetings, familiarising them with business plans and
processes, and identifying a mentor to support them throughout their placement.
What kind of professional development will they be offered?
The Department will offer development opportunities focused on supporting participants’
integration into the corporate environment. Further opportunities, for example, project,
strategy and change management will provide transferable knowledge and skills that can be
utilised in schools.
A peer learning group will provide a community of practice, learning and reflection.
Participants will also be invited to attend a broad spectrum of key Departmental meetings to
gain an understanding of decision-making processes sitting behind policy implementation.
What will be expected of us at the end of the program?
The Division will work with participants to ensure there is an effective handover of their work.
The Pathways at DET Pilot Program Project Group will seek feedback to support the postimplementation review of the program.
What is the expression of interest process?
Expressions of interest for Term 2 are now closed. Expressions of interest for Term 3 are due
by 20 April. Shortlisted applicants will be matched to projects in early March. Details about the
expression of interest process and an expression of interest form can be found on the
Pathways at DET Pilot Program page.
What are the selection criteria for participants?
The selection criteria are listed below.
Collaborative
mindset
Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in the pursuit of
team and organisational goals.
Problem solving
Identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems, implements solutions,
and evaluates their effectiveness, adjusting actions as required.
Initiative
Looks for ways to work more dynamically and seizes opportunities, taking
responsibility for own actions and encouraging others to show initiative.
Communications
skills
Facilitates an effective and open flow of communication in both oral and written
forms and provides informed, meaningful and clear messages when
communicating with staff and stakeholders.
Project
management
Effectively manages projects, monitors performance and appropriately
manages risks and issues.
Is the program open to school staff other than leading teachers, assistant principals
and principals?
No, for the pilot program applications are being sought from leading teachers, assistant
principals and principals only.
Will the Department cover relocation and travel costs?
Relocation costs will not be supported. However, some travel may be negotiated with the host
Division.
What are the backfill arrangements?
Normal backfill arrangements will apply with schools managing their own processes.