• The Charles Sturt University School of Education has developed a professional development seminar series for teachers and education alumni
• The sessions are in response to a survey of alumni to address the specific needs and interests of educators
• The series launches in late July 2024 and will run during Term 3, 2024

Charles Sturt University has announced a professional development (PD) seminar series designed to empower teachers and education alumni with the latest insights and strategies in the field of education.

The seminars were designed by the Charles Sturt School of Education in response to a University alumni survey about teachers’ specific needs and interests.

Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Professor John McDonald said sessions cover a range of crucial topics to ensure educators are well equipped to excel in their roles and foster positive learning environments.

“We are committed to supporting our alumni with ongoing professional growth opportunities,” Professor McDonald said.

“Our recent survey received an overwhelmingly positive response, providing us with valuable insights into the professional development needs of our alumni.

“These sessions are a direct response to their feedback, ensuring they address the current challenges and opportunities in education, providing our educators with the tools they need to succeed and thrive.”

Professor McDonald said Faculty and School staff regularly hear about the incredible impact the University’s teaching alumni have on students across the state and the country.

“Their dedication and innovative approaches are transforming lives and shaping the future of education,” he said.

Sessions include:

• AI in Education - This hands-on, beginner-friendly session will introduce teachers to the basics of AI in education, exploring its transformative potential and practical applications. 

• Creating Disability-Affirming Classroom Environments - This session will investigate ways to design disability-affirming, ethically grounded and research-informed teaching practices using universal design for learning so that all students can learn and be successful together.

• Educator Wellbeing - As educators, teachers frequently prioritise the needs of others over their own, resulting in emotional exhaustion and physical depletion. This session will explore the default patterns that keep teachers on the edge of being overwhelmed and practical ways to reduce the pressure and embrace the joy of school life. 

• Explicit Classroom Management - This session will explore the current national focus on behaviour, explain that classroom management is about learning and why we need to teach behaviour. 

• Leading Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Times of Crisis -This session will explore a study on how Australian ECE leaders navigated challenging times. Participants will discover the complexities of their roles, their unique dispositions and insights into the emotional labour performed by ECE leaders. Learn how they led the workforce, implemented policies, and adapted practices amid crises.

The seminar series will run during Term 3 in 2024 and each session will be led by an expert in the field to ensure participants receive high-quality, relevant and actionable insights.

Teachers and education alumni are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their professional practice and network with fellow educators. To find out more or to register, contact Georgie Stuart, Project Lead, Partnerships and Micros at gstuart@csu.edu.au.