NSW Council of Deans of Education conference at SCU

The NSW Council of Deans of Education will hold its annual conference at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus from Tuesday, June 10 to Thursday, June 12.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Achieving quality: improving teacher education’. The conference program has relevance to all teachers and teacher educators in Australia.

The NSWCDE is the peak body representing NSW teacher education providers, university faculties and schools of education. The NSWCDE leads the delivery and development of education programs, partnerships and research and also acts as an advocate for pre-service and in-service teacher education.

The president of the NSWCDE, Professor Peter Aubusson from the University of Technology Sydney, believes the conference is vitally important to the development of teacher education.

“Teacher education is part of the foundation of effective education which is the springboard for a creative, tolerant and productive society,” he said.

“At the heart of the conference agenda is a determination to ensure continuing strong programs for teacher education in NSW.

“The conference brings together leaders in teacher education to share and exchange ideas about how to enhance teacher education in NSW, to debate policy issues and provide informed public voice on matters of public interest.

“NSWCDE host this conference as a meeting for important stakeholders. The conference draws on the expertise of participants to examine policy that impinges on the future of teacher education and hence impacts on schools, students and our community.”

There is an array of distinguished guest speakers involved at this year’s conference including:

• Associate Professor David Townsend, University of Lethbridge, Alberta;

• Gregory Prior, Deputy Director General, NSW Department of Education and Communities (NSW DEC);

• Brian Smyth-King, Executive Director, Learning and Engagement, (NSW DEC);

• Professor Tania Aspland, President Elect, Australian Council of Deans of Education;

• Paul Martin; Acting Executive Director, Research, Policy & Reporting; NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES);

• Professor Peter Aubusson, President NSW Council of Deans of Education; and

• Associate Professor Peter Hudson, Queensland University of Technology.

Dr Brian Kean, from Southern Cross University, is the conference convener.

Photo: Southern Cross University's Gold Coast campus.