They teach like everyone is equal … they
treat you like a real person, not like a little kid … they’re
not like teachers they are more like just a friend, someone
that is there if you need them. They are not as “up
on our face” as the teachers were … they’re
just a lot easier to talk to. (Students in Broadribb,
2004, 29)
We’re the ones who go home tired at night – we hope that they will too. Trust is crucial. I am mirror, if you are having a bad day and chuck your stuff at me then that’s what you will get back from me – you bring in your best efforts we can work together. (Staff)
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The Island is staffed by tradespeople who bring a thorough knowledge and training in their respective fields to the workshops they run with the students. After 1990 when The Island was integrated into the State school system the students became attached to Collingwood P-12 College and after 1996 the instructors’ positions finally became advertised contracted positions that ensured tenure and continuity. Each of the instructors has as a minimum a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessor Training (Supervision) and must also have had experience working with apprentices. Many of the staff have also had other relevant experiences apart from industrial work where they have engaged with young people for example as social or youth workers. Staff are encouraged to attend workshops or professional development available to teachers that for example focus on issues of Middle years education.
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