Starting a new job can be a steep learning curve, which is why we offer a range of professional development programs for early childhood educators and teachers to help build strong and long-lasting careers.
If you’re at the start of your journey as an early childhood professional, check out the great opportunities available to help kickstart your career.
Beginning Teacher Conferences
Our Beginning Teacher Conferences give you an opportunity to strengthen your professional practice and build professional networks with peers.
They’re tailored specifically for those in their first 6 to 12 months of teaching, and for teachers working in funded kindergarten program services who are expected to graduate in the next 12 months.
Upcoming conferences will feature evidence-informed presentations from experts on topics including supporting children with additional needs and opportunities to build your own teaching toolkit.
Participants will also get the chance to work through practical problems with their peers in deep-dive discussions.
You can attend the conferences online or in person at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Learning, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, from 9 am to 3 pm on the following dates:
- Monday 20 May 2024
Wednesday 12 June 2024
Friday 12 July 2024
Wednesday 28 August 2024
Thursday 12 September 2024
Thursday 31 October 2024.
For more information and to register, refer to Beginning Teachers Conference series.
Early Career End-to-End Career Supports Program
This is a great program for early-career teachers and diploma-qualified educators wanting one-on-one coaching, or for those wanting to join a Community of Practice (CoP) to reflect on their practice with other early childhood professionals.
The End-to-End Career Supports Program offers teachers and educators in their first 5 years of their practice access to early career supports listed below.
Coaching
If you’re an early childhood teacher or diploma-qualified educator in your first 2 years of practice, you can receive up to 9.5 hours of tailored coaching.
The independent coaches are early childhood education professionals with more than 10 years of teaching experience, and a wealth of knowledge to help you in your professional journey.
To register, refer to Supports for early career early childhood teachers.
Communities of Practice (CoPs)
We have CoPs available for early childhood teachers and diploma-qualified educators in their first 2 to 5 years of their careers.
CoPs provide an opportunity for groups of professionals to come together and share a concern, work through common problems or explore an interest in a particular subject.
The 2024 CoP series will be delivered online and in person at the following locations:
South Western Victoria Region:
Wyndham Park Community Centre
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership – Geelong
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
North Western Victoria Region:
Swan Hill Club
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership – Bendigo
Town Hall Broadmeadows
North Eastern Victoria Region:
The Grove Hidden Valley
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership – Shepperton
Quest Glen Waverley
South Eastern Victoria Region:
Dingley International Hotel
Wonthaggi Centennial Centre (Art Space Wonthaggi)
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership – Moe.
Sessions will be staggered across the year, depending on demand, and will support the development of high-quality practice aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
For more information on dates, times and how to register, refer to the Supports for early career early childhood teachers webpage.
Alumni Network
Once a teacher or an educator has completed either a coaching program or participated in a CoP, they are eligible to attend the End-to-End Alumni Conference.
Held in November 2024, the conference will focus on advanced theory and practice, while also celebrating the first years of being an early childhood professional.
For more information and date confirmation to come, a list of available topics or to apply to attend, visit Supports for early career early childhood teachers webpage(opens in a new window).
Find out more
For more information, refer to supports for early career early childhood teachers.
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