Introducing the Backing Teachers framework
Discover how the ‘Backing Teachers’ framework aims to equip school systems across Australia to support primary teachers in delivering high-quality music education, ensuring every student can reap the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits that music learning brings
Across Australia, the delivery of music education varies widely between states and territories. Some rely on specialist music teachers, while others expect generalist teachers to deliver the full curriculum. This patchwork approach has created unequal access to quality music education, with many teachers lacking sufficient personal music experience or professional training to confidently and competently teach the full K-6 music curriculum.
In response, the Backing Teachers framework aims to address the growing need for professional learning solutions that empower primary school teachers to deliver high-quality, sequential music education within the classroom – as is required of them.
We have provided this document as a supplementary submission to the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales as a supplementary submission to the Upper House Inquiry, and we eagerly await its report, due out on 13 December.
Developed by our senior advisor, Dr. Anita Collins, in close consultation with our expert working group members, this document outlines practical strategies that can be tailored and within each state and territory to implement tailored professional learning programs.
It seeks to provide a blueprint for Australian school systems to build the capacity of in-service teachers, regardless of their personal music background, with the aim to ensuring every Australian primary school student receives the music education they deserve.
