Evaluation of the MAT-PD teacher in-service professional development program

Program Background

The Kiribati–Australia Education Program in Tungaru (EduKAiT) is the Australian Government's education flagship in Kiribati which will see up to AUD50 million invested over 10 years from 2023 to 2033.

Teacher in-service professional development is a fundamental strand supporting Intermediate Outcome 1: Teacher quality improved with teachers demonstrating key competencies, increasing English proficiency and inclusive practices, and over time EOPO 1: Improved learning outcomes for boys and girls, including those with disabilities, at targeted year levels. There are two types of professional development planned and delivered by EduKAiT:

· General PD which includes the generic skills all teachers need. These skills include critical thinking, establishing, and managing group work, positive classroom discipline and assessment, and

· Subject specialist PD supporting areas of curriculum development, cross-cutting areas of work, and approaches to subject teaching. Examples include English language proficiency for teachers, English language literacy, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate change and resilience, the introduction to subject teacher guides and new curriculum content.

During phase 1 of EduKAiT, primary school, junior secondary school (JSS) and Yr 7–9 Mission school teacher quality and key competencies will be strengthened through the provision of professional development (PD) or Mauboniaia Ataein Tungaru (MAT). The PD process used during this phase was refined through a process of review and trial during the 2024 Inception phase of EduKAiT. The Te Kiribati term, Mauboniaia Ataein Tungaru which means nurturing the growth of children in Kiribati sits alongside the English term professional development. Throughout this document MAT-PD will be used to refer to teacher and school leader professional development.

This outcome evaluation of MAT-PD will review the program's progress in improving the quality of teaching towards the achievement of Intermediate Outcome 1: Teacher quality improved with teachers demonstrating key competencies, increasing English proficiency and inclusive practices and EOPO 1: Improved learning outcomes for boys and girls, including those with disabilities, at targeted year levels.

The evaluation will ask if the program is making a difference to teaching practice using the MAT-PD approach. The evaluation will build on the evaluation processes conducted by the MAT-Team using the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Framework. It will focus on Kirkpatrick Level 3: Teacher's behaviour and practices and Level 4: Changes to systems and policies and student outcomes.

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people's lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

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Scope of the Evaluation
The evaluation will focus on the MAT-PD operations model through the use of Associate Lecturers, delivery 'waves' of implementation and follow up. In particular, the evaluation will examine:

· The effectiveness or level 2 of the Kirkpatrick model, learning of teaching through the MAT-PD operations model through the use of Associate Lecturers, delivery 'waves' of implementation and follow up.

· The impact or level 3 of the Kirkpatrick model of MAT-PD in strengthening and improving the quality of teaching in South Tarawa and outer islands.

· The extent to which MAT-PD promotes sustainability or results, level 4 of the Kilpatrick model, thereby informing for the long term, the ways EduKAiT and MoE continues to deliver national teacher in-service professional development.

Deliverables

· A brief evaluation plan that will further refine the scope, evaluation questions, methodologies to collect and analyse data in line with the purpose, and a timeline linked to key milestones.

· A draft evaluation report that includes a brief and clear summary of the evaluation, focusing on a balanced analysis of relevant findings and recommendation for improvement.

· A final Evaluation Report incorporating any agreed changes or amendments as requested by EduKAiT, MoE and DFAT.

· A presentation of key findings to the MoE, school leaders and EduKAiT.

The full Terms of Reference are available here: 

Selection Criteria

· Proven experience in leading evaluations; critical thinking, broad evaluation, analytical and research skills.

· Consultative skills and participatory research methods.

· Proven skills to write quality reports.

· Experience working in the Pacific.

· Sound knowledge and understanding of education programs.

Expression of Interest

Candidates are invited to submit expressions of interest including:

· A concise technical proposal (maximum 5 pages) demonstrating understanding of the requirements, the proposed approach and methodology, and an indicative workplan and deliverables.

· Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages).

· A financial proposal in AUD, including proposed daily rate and number of working days.

· Up to three examples of, or links to, relevant prior evaluation work.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday 18 January 11.59pm AEST
 

Any queries, please contact EduKAiT Recruitment at - 

HOW TO APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.