Goodstart ECTs gather for virtual conference to reinforce high quality teaching

Freya Lucas

May 10, 2021

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Early childhood teachers (ECTs) from across the Goodstart Early Learning network gathered last week for a virtual conference, held in a digital landscape for the first time, featuring keynote addresses from some of the best thinkers in early childhood education.

The conference, an annual feature of Goodstart’s professional development offering, featured keynote addresses from Professor Iram Siraj from Oxford University, United Kingdom, Professor Marina Papic from Australian Catholic University, and Goodstart’s own experts' Dr Lisa Palethorpe, National Lead Early Learning Projects at Goodstart, and Tiffany Noble, National Manager Speech Pathology.Conference organiser, Dr Katey De Gioia, National Lead, Pedagogy and Practice: 3-5 Years and Teachers, said the event “reflects Goodstart’s recognition of the significant role teachers’ play in delivering quality outcomes for children.” “We know high-quality early learning has its foundations in high-quality teaching practices. As such it’s absolutely critical our teachers are given opportunities to continue to learn and develop their skills and knowledge bringing the most contemporary practices into our centres.”

Over 65 workshops were offered over the three day conference, all of which were aligned with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, supporting ECTs with state-based registration/accreditation requirements.

Topics covered in the conference line up included formative assessment, mathematics, physically active play, children’s communication, pedagogy and practice for babies and infants, reconciliation and playful intentional teaching and learning, Dr De Gioia said. “Each workshop topic was offered at an ‘introductory’ or ‘advanced’ level to cater for and support new graduate teachers as well as those with significant experience.”

While the conference had a virtual format, it still provided an opportunity for collaboration, with teachers from across the country sharing their experiences and learning with one another. To learn more about ECT roles at Goodstart Early Learning, please see here.

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