Our first Beginning Teacher Conference of the year was a resounding success, with early-career members learning valuable insights that will help them throughout their working lives.
Run several times a year across the state, Federation’s Beginning Teacher Conferences are aimed at members who are in their first few years of teaching. They cover a wide range of topics that new teachers should know about, including pay and conditions, tips on managing a classroom, advice on gaining and maintaining proficient teacher accreditation and Aboriginal education.
The conference also aims to empower early-career teachers as they begin their activism journeys. The event also helps to connect early career teachers so that they support each other and learn together as they face similar and differing experiences.
Members walked away with many strategies both in and out of the classroom, such as brain breaks and movement activities, as well as how to ask for support when needed.
The afternoon also ended with a friendly social gathering and a chance to make lifelong friends. This year the after-conference gathering ended in a passionate game of trivia, which brought many laughs and healthy competition.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, including:
- Wonderful conference — really glad I came!
- It was a great and informative conference for beginning teachers, even for those who are two years in.
Comments on specific sessions included:
- Accreditation session: “Every step was explained well, also the important dates, some unknown details and resources. It was very helpful.”
- Aboriginal education: “Handouts were great. I look forward to reading them in-depth.”
- Planning and programming: “This session gave me deeper knowledge of planning and programming, especially differentiation.”
- Behaviour and learning: “Brain break ideas were useful and I will be using them in the future. The information about behaviour management professional learning was great too.”
- Working conditions: “The difference between each employment type was clearly explained. The information was rich, useful and meaningful.”
- Getting involved in your union: “Inspired me to be more active in the Teachers Federation.”
Four more Beginning Teacher Conferences are scheduled for this year, in Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Lightning Ridge and Bundanoon.
Federation arranges and pays for accommodation and travel for eligible members.
Sign up for a Beginning Teacher Conference or get more information about courses Federation offers on Federation’s website.