2025 Early Career Teachers Conference

8:50 AM

1 Hour

Teaching is a dynamic and challenging profession. Teachers have a professional obligation to develop and maintain professional relationships with a diverse range of learners, communicate with parents, act ethically, promote positive values and maintain and raise professional standards. Moving to (full) registration is a continuum of professional growth for a teacher as they transition from the Graduate level of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to the Proficient career stage. During this session you will learn about the process to transition to (full) registration, gathering evidence and the role of the evaluator.

Presenter: Adrian Dilger

Organisation: Catholic Education SA

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12)

8:50 AM

1 Hour

Looking for ways to approach science that are engaging and curriculum-connected? This practical workshop invites early career R-10 teachers to explore a series of short, fun, low-prep science experiments designed to spark a sense of discovery and deepen conceptual understanding. You’ll actively trial a set of hands-on experiences and discover how each one aligns with the Science Curriculum, with a focus on thinking and working scientifically and making real-world connections. Together, we’ll unpack how these “tiny sparks” can be used to prompt rich learner thinking, check for understanding, and build your confidence in engaging learners through science.

Presenter: Denise Rule and Anthea Ponte

Organisation: Department for Education

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6)

8:50 AM

1 Hour

Creating a calm, respectful, and productive learning environment is essential for every classroom, but in the science lab, where safety and engagement go hand in hand, managing behaviour becomes even more critical. In this workshop, we draw on our collective experiences to explore how effective behaviour management underpins great science learning. Labs present unique challenges and opportunities, and we will explore how consistent routines, clear expectations, and proactive teacher presence support both safety and student engagement. We will unpack the idea that "behaviour is a curriculum", something that must be explicitly taught, reinforced, and modelled, and examine how this concept plays out in a science classroom. From the first moment students enter the lab, how we establish norms, respond to disruption, and maintain focus has a direct impact on learning outcomes. Together, we will explore ready-to-implement strategies, setting up lab expectations, and de-escalation tools and techniques for resetting class culture. This session offers practical tools, shared expertise, and the opportunity to refine your approach to managing behaviours in the labs.

Presenter: Oliwia Derda, Daniel Mawhinney

Organisation: St Columba College

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

8:50 AM

1 Hour

This practical and research-informed workshop introduces early career teachers to dispositional teaching—a powerful approach that strengthens student agency and develops effective learners. Drawing on Ron Ritchhart’s Cultures of Thinking in Action and the OECD’s Future of Education and Skills 2023, the session explores how cultivating productive learner dispositions can be embedded into everyday teaching and assessment practices. Aligned with the South Australian Curriculum, participants will engage in collaborative activities to identify key learner dispositions, design learning opportunities that foster growth, and build reflective classroom cultures. The workshop also models strategies to create a safe, supportive space for professional dialogue and reflection, empowering teachers to confidently implement dispositional thinking in their own classrooms.

Presenter: Abby MacPherson

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

9:51 AM

1 Hour

So you've recently graduated, landed a job, and are now immersed in the chaos that is teaching. At least it's fun, because you can "blow stuff up"! Right? As you dish out the tasks, the marking begins to pile up. What do you do with it all? How do you know you're being fair? Does that incident with Mike still play on your mind? This workshop introduces those teaching the Australian Curriculum V9 Science to the process of moderation and design of quality assessment tasks. There will be an opportunity for some low-stakes peer moderation. To truly get the most out of this, please bring along a copy of any Science task that you have, de-identified.

Presenter: Dina Matheson

Organisation: Specialised Assistance School for Youth

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6)

9:51 AM

1 Hour

Discover several free and simple digital tools that require minimal preparation time which can be used to supplement existing lessons which engage students and offer unique insights. OneNote as a learner management tool will be shared to showcase how it can be used to streamline lessons and help students stay organised. Several Lesson Starters for Mathematics will be shared that motivate students and practice fundamental skills. To generate interest and spark curiosity, Desmos Classroom can be used to guide students in all key concept areas in Mathematics. Formative assessment tools using Quizizz will be shared and how best to manage these tools effectively for improved student learning outcomes.

Presenter: Jakob Roth

Organisation: Mercedes College

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10)

9:51 AM

1 Hour

Tracker Video Analysis and Modeling Tool is a free, open-source software that empowers science educators and students to explore real-world phenomena through video analysis and dynamic modeling. Widely adopted across secondary and tertiary education, Tracker supports inquiry-based learning and fosters deep engagement with scientific concepts. Its versatility across disciplines makes it a STEM-rich technology that should be considered part of every science teacher’s foundational skill set. In physics, Tracker enables precise analysis of motion, forces, energy, and momentum. Students can track objects, generate graphs, and overlay models to compare theory with experimental data—making abstract principles tangible and measurable. In chemistry, Tracker supports the study of physical systems, reaction rates, and absorption phenomena such as Beer’s Law. By extracting data from video experiments, students can quantify changes and visualize chemical processes in action. In biology, Tracker facilitates the analysis of cellular movement, biomechanics, and behavioral studies. It allows for accurate measurement and modeling of biological motion, from microscopic organisms to human gait. Tracker promotes scientific thinking, data literacy, and modeling skills—core competencies in STEM education. Its integration into teaching practice enhances curriculum delivery, supports cross-disciplinary learning, and equips students with tools to observe, analyze, and understand the natural world through evidence-based inquiry.

Presenter: Paul Gavini

Organisation: Modbury High School

Target Audience: Senior secondary (10-12), Tertiary

9:51 AM

1 Hour

As online assessments become increasingly common in schools, early career teachers play a crucial role in helping students navigate this shift with confidence. This practical session will explore strategies for preparing students for online exams, focusing on both technical readiness and cognitive skills. We’ll cover how to build familiarity with digital platforms, manage time effectively in an online environment, and support students in developing typing stamina, digital literacy, and exam mindset. The session will also include tips for designing formative tasks that mirror online exam conditions, and how to reduce anxiety by embedding small habits into everyday learning. Whether you're supporting students through high-stakes assessments or low-pressure practice, this workshop will equip you with tools and approaches to set them—and yourself—up for success.

Presenter: Sarah Shoobridge

Organisation: Scotch College, Adelaide

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

11:10 AM

1 Hour

Trying to get your students to have better lab skills? Silently panicking each time they leave a teat pipette sticking out of a beaker? Then this session is for you! Walk through how to teach junior secondary students (7-9) lab skills that will last. From counting drops to lighting a Bunsen burner, you will both do and learn how to teach a range of basic lab skills needed for High School science. A hands-on session for all science teachers that you’ll leave feeling confident and ready to teach. There will also be a range of resources available for you to take with you to help you plan, teach and assess Years 7-9 science.

Presenter: Karina Darling

Organisation: St Mark's College, Port Pirie

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Pre-Service teachers, Primary (r-6)

11:10 AM

1 Hour

Dive into the world of PBL—whether it's problem-based, project-based, or practical-based learning—and discover how these approaches can transform your science classroom into a hub of creativity and curiosity. This workshop begins by exploring opportunities to design integrated learning experiences across curriculum areas, year levels, and topics, all while building key student competencies. Learn how to craft engaging, hands-on challenges that spark inquiry and make science meaningful. You'll explore strategies to design your own activities, adapt existing resources, and tap into videos, real-world problems, and student interests to drive learning. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvigorate your approach, this session will provide the tools and inspiration to make PBL a powerful part of your teaching practice.

Presenter: Jarrod Johnson

Organisation: Pulteney Grammar School

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12), Tertiary

11:10 AM

1 Hour

There are things experienced teachers say and do in the classroom (and laboratory) to increase student engagement and decrease the chances that students will misbehave – it’s not as magic as it may seem. In this workshop I will discuss and model strategies for gaining students’ attention, managing student movement, asking whole class questions and group work. Using these strategies we can increase the likelihood students will be on task and thinking about Science and we can better manage safety risks in the laboratory. These skills are backed by recent research and AITSL papers but the workshop will focus on learning and using practical classroom management and engagement skills, not listening to research. This workshop is aligned with AITSL Standard 4: Create and Maintain Supportive and Safe Learning Environments, HITS 5: Collaborative Learning and HITS 7: Questioning.

Presenter: Lara Golding

Organisation: Marryatville High School

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12)

11:10 AM

1 Hour

If you are looking for a real-world STEM context, agriculture is the perfect match. SA's Lead Agriculture Teacher Sue Pratt will take you through an interactive workshop where she will showcase how food and fibre production utilises key STEM skills for problem solving and innovation. Ag is a great way to excite your students when we connect the plate to the paddock. No previous experience or school farm needed!

Presenter: Sue Pratt

Organisation: AgCommunicators

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12)

12:11 PM

1 Hour

The secondary science lab can be busy; when you fill it with 20-30 adolescents, it needs to be organised. This workshop is designed to discuss how to organise yourself and the practical environment to ensure it is a safe space where work gets done efficiently. Jason will use several practical examples plus provide resources on how to accomplish this.

Presenter: Jason Greenslade

Organisation: Westminster School

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

12:11 PM

1 Hour

This interactive professional development session explores how explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies can enhance student learning, engagement, and independence. Participants will unpack what metacognition looks like in practice and learn how to embed it within existing routines and curriculum. Drawing on high-impact teaching strategies and cognitive load theory, the session models a range of classroom-ready approaches that help students plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking. Educators will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussion, and structured reflection, leaving with practical tools and strategies to implement immediately. Follow-up opportunities allow teachers to share implementation experiences and deepen their understanding of metacognitive instruction.

Presenter: Renee Rees

Organisation: Cardijn College

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

12:11 PM

1 Hour

An open, collaborative space designed specifically for early career teachers to explore how AI can support and enhance their teaching practice. This session will focus on practical ways to reduce workload, create engaging learning experiences, and streamline tasks such as planning and administration using tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or seeking new ways to integrate it into your classroom, you'll gain actionable ideas, shared experiences, and hands-on examples to help make your teaching journey more efficient, impactful, and inspiring.

Presenter: Jarrod Johnson

Organisation: Pulteney Grammar School

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12), Tertiary

12:11 PM

1 Hour

Transform your school’s zoo excursion into a rich educational experience with this guide to the programs offered at Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo. Learn how to align your visit with curriculum objectives, engage students in pre-visit inquiry, and leverage post-visit projects to deepen understanding. This session provides tips for creating interdisciplinary links and maximising the educational impact, along with downloadable resources to enrich your next zoo visit. (Please note we have a range of Teacher PD available in workshop, lecture or keynote style. We have just selected this workshop as it would probably be the most appealing to pre-service teachers)

Presenter: Ellie Carless

Organisation: Zoos South Australia

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12), Tertiary

1:50 PM

1 Hour

Explore how to bring the wonders of Earth science into the classroom with engaging, curriculum aligned strategies, with this workshop designed to help explore Earth's powerful processes. We will demonstrate how online platforms can support interactive learning, helping students visualise tectonic plate boundaries, subduction zones, and how geological evidence across continents helps us predict Earth's dynamic activity. You will also have an opportunity to explore earth science concepts through hands on learning, using accessible materials to engage students in modelling natural processes.

Presenter: Kieran Meaney

Organisation: SA Museum

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6)

1:50 PM

1 Hour

This workshop is designed to give teachers a number of classroom activities that explore complex physics concepts as simple classroom activities and discussions. This workshop is designed for all teachers of Physics, whether this be as a Middle School Science teacher or Stage 2 teacher.

Presenter: Daniel Rabbett

Organisation: Sacred Heart College

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Senior secondary (10-12)

1:50 PM

2 Hours

Learn a little about what the Circular Economy is, KESAB incursion and excursion options, how to use bins ( and where they then go), and make something for yourself that you can also do with students!

Presenter: Jo Hendrikx

Organisation: KESAB environmental solutions

Target Audience: Junior secondary (7-10), Primary (r-6), Senior secondary (10-12)