2026 Early Career Teachers Conference

Friday 9 October 

Theme: Shaping the Future: Building Strong Foundations for Early Career Science Teachers

SASTA is committed to providing opportunities for Early Career Teachers to connect, learn and grow within a supportive professional community. As part of this, we are seeking presenters for our Early Career Teachers Conference.

This one-day conference supports graduates and teachers in the first few years of their careers, providing opportunities to reflect on professional identity, strengthen classroom practice, support wellbeing, and build connections with other early career educators.

The program will include specialised workshops for both Primary and Secondary teachers. We are looking for presenters who can share practical, classroom-ready strategies, insights and experiences to support early career teachers in developing confidence and capability in the classroom.

When considering the focus of your presentation, you may wish to draw on one or more of the following areas. We particularly encourage sessions that include practical examples, resources or classroom-ready ideas.

Unpacking the curriculum
Supporting teachers to understand key components of the science curriculum, including Science as a Human Endeavour and capabilities and dispositions, and to develop effective and engaging teaching programs.

Science understanding and STEM education
Approaches to teaching specific areas of science understanding, developing students’ scientific literacy, and integrating STEM learning in meaningful ways.

Inquiry-based learning
Developing strategies to support science inquiry skills, critical and creative thinking, and student-led learning

Assessment
Using a range of assessment strategies to monitor student learning and inform teaching, including approaches to e-exams and building evidence for professional practice.

Classroom practice and relationships
Strategies for classroom management, building positive relationships, maintaining high expectations, and working collaboratively with colleagues, leaders and families.

Differentiation and inclusive practice
Strategies to support diverse learners and create inclusive, accessible science classrooms, including teaching outside your area of expertise.

Digital tools and emerging technologies
Practical ways to use digital tools, including AI, to support teaching, assessment and student engagement.

Supporting teacher wellbeing and career development
Exploring the realities of teaching in the early years, including managing workload, maintaining wellbeing, transitioning from provisional to full registration, and building a professional portfolio.

Beyond the classroom
Practical considerations such as planning and running excursions, managing risk, and creating meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Workshop submissions close Sunday 5 July