STELLA Standards

The Standards for the Teaching of English Language and Literacy in Australia (STELLA) are the result of a three year research project funded by the Department of Education Science and Technology to create subject specific standards for English and literacy educators.

The STELLA materials developed by ALEA and the Australian Association for the Teaching of English provide a professional development resource which practising teachers can use to engage in general reflections about what accomplished English teachers believe, know and are able to do. But more specifically, they offer the individual an opportunity for self assessment in a range of key areas; to articulate and demonstrate the ways in which they ‘know their subject’. The Standards include a collection of “Narratives” in which accomplished teachers describe the work they do and the ways they have been able to improve their practice to ensure they provide quality learning for their students.

STELLA speaks to all English language and literacy teachers because the Standards do not purport to ‘measure’ teachers against a ‘one size fits all’ concept of the ideal English teacher, but reflect what is characteristic of English teachers in all the contexts in which we teach. The professional knowledge, professional practice and professional engagement that English teachers believe are crucial to quality teaching in English are articulated in our Standards.

Visit the STELLA website at: www.stella.org.au

Teachers’ Stories

Also available as a resource is Teachers’ Stories: professional standards, professional learning, edited by Marion Meiers. The STELLA professional learning project gave teachers in three Australian states an opportunity to work with a mentor to explore the STELLA professional standards, to develop their own professional learning and to share their stories. The teachers’ stories in this collection are firmly based in classroom contexts and tell about a variety of professional learning experiences that led to improved classroom outcomes. See the AATE and ALEA bookshop for details and to order or freecall the ALEA national office on 1800 248 379.