An enthusiastic bunch...participants in the Beginning Teachers Conference.

Beginners keen on conference

By Owen Hasler

Enthusiasm from beginning teachers was brimming at the Beginning Teachers Conference held on May 24.

Walgett Community College beginning teacher Nicholas Hodgson said: "Go public education."

"It is just really good to know you're not the only teacher facing the same sort of issues out here," he added.

The Conference, held in Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, attracted 60 registrations from beginning teachers and teacher mentors from schools in the Moree and Dubbo school districts.

Teachers came from Brewarrina Central School, Collarenebri Central School, Moree Secondary College, Toomelah Public School, Boggabilla Central School, Coonamble Public School and High School, Gilgandra High School, Goodooga Central School, Lightning Ridge and Walgett Community College.

The conference was opened by Federation General Secretary Barry Johnson, who welcomed those attending and gave an overview of the history and functions of Federation.

Deputy President Jennifer Leete then gave a detailed outline of current campaign issues including the salaries and child protection campaigns.

The delegates were then divided into four groups which spent an hour each in workshop sessions.

Welfare Officer Rod Brown stepped each group through issues such as legal cases, leave entitlements and salaries while Jennifer Leete led the session on teacher mentoring and beginning teacher induction programs.

Assistant General Secretary (Schools) John Irving and Barry Johnson conducted the session on rural education and staffing issues.

Organisers Michelle Rosicky and Fred Dumbrell and Walgett Teachers Association member Jo Mihalec stepped the groups through local school and association issues and how the Federation can assist the mentors in schools.

The final session involved an examination of case studies before those attending were asked to provide an evaluation of the course.

Ms Leete said: "What an inspiring enthusiastic and dedicated group of new teachers. Despite huge challenges, public education in the country has a great future with these new teachers."

Mr Johnson said: "It was great to be involved in discussions about the needs of and challenges facing our newest colleagues teaching in remote and/or difficult areas. The future of public education is assured in their care."

Mr Irving said: "It was encouraging to see so many beginning teachers openly expressing their views about the great benefits of public education to their local communities and also their concerns about the need for improved support for rural teachers and schools."

Ms Rosicky said: "Taking 'the Federation' out to where the teachers are is an important step towards making our membership stronger and more confident. All teachers are the essential advocates for the public education system. I hope more of these opportunities are offered across NSW."

A dinner at the Miners Mate Restaurant completed the day.

Owen Hasler is a Country Organiser.

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