Empowering teachers to empower each other
The pandemic highlighted the value of teachers like no other time in recent history. University of Newcastle education researchers and the Paul Ramsay Foundation have supported them every step of the way.
Empowering teachers to empower each other is the philosophy at the heart of the Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR) program.
Developed by Laureate Professor Jenny Gore and colleagues from the University of Newcastle, the program puts high-impact, evidence-backed professional development directly in the hands of teachers, empowering them to enrich student learning through collaborative, teacher-driven analysis and refinement of practice.
In 2018, the Paul Ramsay Foundation partnered with the University through a $17.4 million philanthropic investment to expand QTR and investigate its impact over a five-year period. More than 3,200 teachers and 400,000 students Australia-wide have since benefited from the program. The evidence shows increased student achievement, improved quality of teaching and enhanced teacher morale and school culture after just four days of school-based QTR.
The partnership has also enabled development of a fully online form of QTR to ensure access for all teachers, including those in small schools and rural and remote communities.
The QT Academy was launched in 2020 as an initiative of the Teachers and Teaching Research Centre at the University of Newcastle in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation. The Academy delivers powerful professional development that translates the Centre’s rigorous research into practical workshops and resources for teachers and school leaders.
The Paul Ramsay Foundation has a strong record of supporting initiatives that aim to break cycles of disadvantage in Australia. The partnership has been central to achieving positive outcomes for teachers and students. We are so grateful for the Foundation’s generosity in sharing our vision.
Students are the ultimate beneficiaries of quality teaching
Research shows the ground-breaking QTR program improves student outcomes by up to 25%.
These results are even stronger in disadvantaged schools, further supporting the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s aim to break cycles of disadvantage.
Thanks to the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, we are delivering a rare level of impact for research in education and making a difference for teachers and students nationally.”
Laureate Professor Jenny Gore
School of Education
College of Human and Social Futures
To learn more about the Quality Teaching Rounds, visit newcastle.edu.au/research/centre/teachers-and-teaching/quality-teaching-rounds
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.