Kristina Whitehead

Villanova College

Kristina Whitehead’s development of ‘pod’ collaboration among staff at Villanova College has led to improved team work, and a stronger drive to improve teaching practices.

Through the Collaborative and Reflective Practices (CRP) program she leads, Kristina builds a supportive environment for teachers to work together to improve their practice.
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Three years after the CRP program started with a single pod of Year 8 Maths and Science teachers, there are now 6 pods with 45 staff across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

​The pods also provide a dedicated time for teachers to meet and discuss shared ideas, the most-up-to-date research and topics of interest.

Kristina has also implemented effective observation strategies, such as the video-recording of lessons for self-reflection, group discussion and feedback. Her efforts have resulted in an improvement of teaching and learning practices at Villanova College.

Villanova College Head of Middle School Greg O’Neill says Kristina has provided a platform for a “meeting of the minds”. 

​“Her leadership, passion and dedication in driving this project has seen it not only grow, but flourish,” Greg says.

​“This has led to direct improvement in teaching and learning as well as offering individual teachers a chance to explore personal and professional areas of interest and innovation.”

Congratulations Kristina on your nomination.
 
Written by Mark Zita.