Further details to follow
Location: Sydney Metro
Aboriginal Education in the Classroom
Following on from the CPL’s Implementing Aboriginal Eduction K-12 course, this course seeks to embed Aboriginal perspectives in the classroom.
Linking to the syllabuses this course focuses on Aboriginal education outcomes in the classroom.
Further details to follow.
17 November 2026 in Surry Hills
$220
Ethical Leadership
This 2-day professional learning course will help participants to understand the difference between ethical school leadership and simple school management. This interactive course will set you on a journey to reshape culture in your school by reclaiming the belief that school executives are not only managers, but also the leaders of education in their schools.
Over two days you will critically analyse the nature of ethical leadership and challenge existing approaches to leadership (using an ethically based model). In a series of interactive sessions you will learn the ethics of quality assessment, how to lead difficult conversations with staff and how to put ethical leadership into practice.
Led by teacher-practioners and experts, you will be guided through issues around inclusive education and re-thinking ability, in addition to how to put ethical leadership into practice.
Designed for school executives, principals, aspirational school leaders as well as teachers who wish to understand more about the concept of ethical leadership, and to use that knowledge to develop or enhance their leadership, this course is an essential for those working towards building a public school community.
School executives, principals, aspirational school leaders as well as teachers who wish to understand more about the concept of ethical leadership
Day 1 – Thursday, 22 October 2026
Day 2 – Friday, 23 October 2026
Day 3 – Friday, 27 November 2026
All 3 days will be conducted at NSW Teachers Federation , Surry HIlls
$440 for 2 days
Trystan Loades
Lisa Edwards
Natasha Watt
Kathy Deacon
Lila Mularczyk
Functional Behavioural Assessment in the Classroom
With the increase in complexities within the classroom, come along to learn how to effectively and purposefully use Functional Behavioural Assessment to assess, break down and meet the diverse needs of learners in your classroom from K to TAFE.
Discovering the purpose and function of behaviour, which is a form of communication, will allow teachers to better support the needs of individuals in the classroom.
Learn practical skills and build understanding on how to positively support student engagement in their learning.
K-TAFE teachers interested in functional behavioural assessment
- 16 March 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
- 13 May 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
- 25 November at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
John Skene was elected as the NSW Teachers Federation Disability Officer in November 2024. As part of this role, he is responsible for supporting students, staff and schools in disability. He is working closely with the other areas in Federation (Organisers, Professional Support, Trade Union Training) to support Federation members.
With over fifteen years of experience as a teacher in special education, John has worked at Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) and Support Units (SUs). He has held roles such as Federation Representative and Assistant Principal Special Education. John was a Councillor and the Special Education Contact of Sutherland and Inner-City Teachers Association (across his time in school).
Rethinking Ability: Special Education Conference
The conference will hear the current state of disability in the public education system and Federation’s ongoing commitment and work to support students and teachers within special education and those with a disability.
Participants will have an opportunity to network with other like-minded teachers and engage in workshops covering topics such as differentiation (K-6 and 7-12), classroom management with diverse learners, meeting sensory needs, working with SLSOs for success and neurodiversity in TAFE.
The Conference will also bring a together experts and experienced practitioners to answer questions about disability within the current context as well as the “where to next.”
3 December 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills.
$275
Please note: payment for the conference is taken after the conference takes place.
Inclusive Strategies: Teaching students with disabilities
Overview
This course is designed for teachers who are interested in building practical skills around differentiation and inclusive planning for a mainstream context K-TAFE. Participants will look at the timeline of disability within the school context and see how overtime changes have taken place (or not). Teachers will expand their strategies and skills in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in various settings to support positive and successful learning and engagement.
K-TAFE teachers who are interested in unpacking their understanding of inclusion and increase their strategies and skills in supporting a wide range of students with disability in their classroom.
- 25 February 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
- 5 March 2026 at Suite 1.04, 1 Lowden Square, Wollongong, NSW 2500
- 26 March 2026 at Wagga Wagga RSL
- 6 May 2026 at Tamworth
- 16 June 2026 at Broken Hill
- 6 August at Canberra
- 5 November 2026 at Newcastle
- 12 November 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
John Skene was elected as the NSW Teachers Federation Disability Officer in November 2024. As part of this role, he is responsible for supporting students, staff and schools in disability. He is working closely with the other areas in Federation (Organisers, Professional Support, Trade Union Training) to support Federation members.
With over fifteen years of experience as a teacher in special education, John has worked at Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) and Support Units (SUs). He has held roles such as Federation Representative and Assistant Principal Special Education. John was a Councillor and the Special Education Contact of Sutherland and Inner-City Teachers Association (across his time in school).
Music K-6 The New Syllabus – Making it work in your school
Developing Confidence and Capability in Music Education Aligned to the NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus
This professional learning day is designed to directly support teacher readiness and curriculum implementation under the NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus, equipping participants with practical resources, pedagogical strategies, and an informed perspective on the value of music in primary education.
This workshop is presented by the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Music in Me teacher mentoring program, and is designed to support primary teachers in strengthening their understanding and practice of music education. Through both practical and research-informed sessions, participants will explore effective strategies for teaching music across the primary years, with clear links to the new NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus. The day will offer structured learning sequences, curriculum-aligned content, and frameworks for embedding music in both classroom practice and whole-school planning.
Session 1 | 9:00–10:30 AM
Creative Engagement with Music and Movement: Orff-Schulwerk in Practice
Facilitated by Dr Sue Lane
This session introduces participants to an Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education, developing musical skills and understanding through speech and singing, body percussion and movement, leading to active music-making and composition with sound sources. Activities are directly aligned to key practices in the new NSW syllabus, supporting music learning that is active, embodied, and connected across learning areas.
Key focus areas:
- Applying the interrelated practices of Performing, Composing, and Listening
- Supporting music learning through integrated, developmentally appropriate activities
- Exploring how music functions as a form of personal and cultural expression
Session 2 | 10:45–12:15 PM
Sequencing for Success: Structuring Music Learning Across K–6
Facilitated by Music in Me Mentors
This session builds on foundational practice by examining how musical understanding can be developed across a continuum from Kindergarten to Year 6. Teachers will unpack curriculum-aligned music learning sequences that move from simple to more complex.
Key focus areas:
- Structuring content to support progressive skill development
- Building teacher confidence in planning and delivery of music learning
- Aligning teaching with the learning outcomes of the new NSW Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus
Session 3 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Embedding Music Across the School: Strategic Approaches for School Leaders and Advocates
Presented by Dr Anita Collins
In this practical session, you’ll explore how music education can become a whole-school priority, not just a specialist subject. Drawing on current research in neuroscience and education, Dr Collins outlines the benefits of music learning for cognitive development, student wellbeing, and broader educational outcomes. Participants will consider how to communicate the value of music to colleagues, school leaders, and the wider community.
Key focus areas:
Developing practical tools for school-wide implementation and strategic planning
Understanding music’s role in supporting learning, wellbeing, and engagement
Using evidence to support whole-school advocacy and curriculum leadership
Thursday 17 September 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, 23- 33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
Bernie Heard is the National Manager of Music in Me at the Australian Youth Orchestra. Bernie is an experienced senior arts executive, her previous roles include Executive Director of Gondwana Choirs, CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras, Director of Operations at Think & Do Tank Foundation and senior Education and Artist Development roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working with the late Richard Gill AO.
Bernie completed a Churchill Fellowship in 2007, the Australia Council Emerging Leaders Program in 2012, and is currently completing an MBA at University of Sydney, Business School.
Dr. Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. She is internationally recognized for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student.
Since 2016, Anita has interviewed over 100 neuroscientists and psychologists globally, advocating for the benefits of music learning in child development.
Anita gained prominence by writing the script for the TEDEd video, “How playing an instrument benefits your brain,” and her TEDx Talk, “What if every child had music education from birth?” She is well-known in Australia as the on-screen expert for the ABC documentary “Don’t Stop the Music.”
Awarded the Barbara Matthews Churchill Fellowship in 2016, Anita studied with top researchers in the US and Canada, followed by a sabbatical in 2017 to continue her studies in the US, Canada, and Germany. In 2019, she received the inaugural Australian Women in Music award for Music Education.
Dr. Sue Lane is a Lead Mentor with Music in Me teacher mentoring program, and a respected music education specialist. She is committed to supporting teachers to bring engaging music education experiences into their classrooms. Sue is particularly focused on the ongoing development of accessible resources for teachers in a variety of educational settings.
Sue worked for many years as a music specialist and classroom teacher in schools on the Central Coast of NSW, before lecturing in Music and Dance Education in the Early Childhood and Primary Teaching programs at the University of Newcastle, and more recently at the University of Technology, Sydney. She completed her PhD in 2019 and continues her research work related to arts education provision in Australian primary schools. Sue is an active committee member and presenter with Orff NSW, supporting educators in the exploration of creative music experiences. She also works as a music educator and presenter with Musica Viva Australia In Schools.
Implementing Aboriginal Education K-12
This course will support teachers implementing Aboriginal Education within the new syllabuses and will build knowledge of policy frameworks and inform the building of relationships.
This course will begin with an exploration of key policies guiding Aboriginal Education, including the Department’s Aboriginal Education policy and key documents, and the NSW Teachers Federation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education policy and their implications for practice. This course will be conducted by Aboriginal teachers who are highly experienced in their fields.
In primary and secondary workshops, NESA officers will provide an analysis of Aboriginal Education content within the syllabuses, ensuring a clear understanding of curriculum expectations. Presenters, holding varying leadership roles within the Department of Education, will share practical strategies for establishing and maintaining culturally inclusive, safe, and responsive learning environments.
Keynote adress from Associate Professor Christine Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor University of NSW:
Embedding Indigenous knowledges in curriculum: continua of learning from preschool to higher education
The representation of Aboriginal histories and cultures in NSW syllabuses has improved with the increased involvement of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander teachers particularly since 2016. Higher education has also been experiencing curriculum renewal through national strategic initiatives requiring the embedding of Indigenous knowledges in university curriculum. How do the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights of knowledge holders feature in the process and what professional learning might be required for educators to ensure that academic and cultural considerations are addressed?
Wednesday 5 August 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
Teachers K-12 and leaders in schools implementing Aboriginal Education.
RUSSELL HONNERY
Aboriginal Education Officer, NSW Teachers Federation
Russell is a proud Wearie Gomeroi Man.
Russell’s current role as role is the NSW Teachers Federation Aboriginal Education Officer allowed him the opportunity to be the AEU Yes for Voice Campaign Lead Officer in 2023. Before holding this current role, he was a Professional Support Officer (2019-2021). Prior to holding these elected positions, Russell worked for the NSW Teachers Federation on a Relief basis in many roles. From Project Officer in 2010 and relieving in positions from 2011 to 2017: as Aboriginal Education Officer, Research Industrial Officer, Professional Support Officer and both Country and City Organiser positions. He was also the Aboriginal Executive Member for council 2017-2019 and Aboriginal Members Councilor from 2008 to 2019.
His teaching career has been in rural/northern NSW, which has given him a variety of experiences from classroom teacher, teaching Reading Recovery, Relieving Assistant Principal, team teaching with beginning teachers, mentoring staff and being part of the Department as Indigenous Teacher leadership program 2014/2015. He was also the Aboriginal Education and Engagement Officer SEO1 for the Tamworth Operational Directorate 2017-2019.
Russell’s experiences within the NSW Teachers Federation have given him the opportunity to represent and present at local, state, national and international events on behalf of Aboriginal members.
JENNI WENZEL
Chief Education Officer, Aboriginal Education, NSW Education Standards Authority
Jenni is a proud Bundjalung, Gumbayngirr, Ngoorabul, Walbunja Yuin woman with kinship connections to the North and South Coasts of NSW. Primarily working in Aboriginal Education at local, regional, and state levels, she has worked tirelessly to ensure Aboriginal students, parents and communities are represented at all levels.
Her teaching expertise ranges across Aboriginal Studies, Aboriginal Languages and HSIE subjects, with lecturing across several universities in Aboriginal Education.
Jenni is the Chief Education Officer, Aboriginal Education at NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
DIMITI TRUDGETT
Coordinator Schooling and Transition 7-12 PEO, Aboriginal Education & Communities Directorate
Dimiti Trudgett is a proud Wayilwan woman who is the Coordinator Schooling and Transition in the Aboriginal Education and Communities directorate. She works in the Schools and Transitions unit where she leads various programs and initiatives across NSW in improving the educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Prior to her position, Dimiti was a Deputy Principal in a Central School. She is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative for the AEU NSW Teachers Federation Executive and one of the elected Councillors from the Aboriginal Members roll. Dimiti is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal education as well as educating all students and educators about Aboriginal histories and cultures
ANTHONY GALLUZZO
NSW Department of Education
Teaching Peace – Integrating Peace Studies into the Syllabuses
This new CPL course offers participants an exciting new way to integrate peace studies into the syllabuses they teach. In this course you participate in theory-based learning about current academic research about peace. Participants will also develop the knowledge and skills to feel confident to undertake the teaching of peace studies as well as investigating programming approaches and strategies in order to apply what they learn to the NSW syllabuses.
Please note that there is also a TUT course for those who have been elected as Association Peace Contacts (including Peace and Environment Contacts) which, whilst containing some crossover in content, is designed to complement this CPL course.
12 August 2026 – Surry Hills
$220
Teachers interested in implementing peace studies in their classrooms. Primary, Secondary and TAFE teachers are encouraged to apply to attend this course.
Margaret Vos
Margaret Vos is the Director of the Centre for Professional Learning and the Centre for Public Education Research.
Theo Bougatsas
Theo Bougatsas is a NSW Teachers Federation organiser. A long-time advocate for peace education, Theo heads the Sam Lewis Peace Prize committee.
Associate Professor Jake Lynch
Jake Lynch is Associate Professor in the Discipline of Sociology and Criminology. He has spent the past 20 years researching, developing, teaching and training in Peace Journalism. For this work, he was recognised with the award of the 2017 Luxembourg Peace Prize, by the Schengen Peace Foundation.
Scholarly publications include several books and over 50 book chapters and refereed articles. Jake’s latest monograph, A Global Standard for Reporting Conflict presents results from his Australian Research Council Linkage Project, with partnership by the International Federation of Journalists and the aid agency, Act for Peace. It includes data from original fieldwork in Australia, the Philippines, South Africa and Mexico. Jake served for nine years on the Executive Committee of the Sydney Peace Foundation, and for two years as Secretary General of the International Peace Research Association.
Before taking up an academic post, Jake enjoyed a 20-year career in journalism. He was a Political Correspondent for Sky News, at Westminster, and the Sydney Correspondent for the Independent newspaper, culminating in a role as an on-air presenter (anchor) for BBC World Television News.
Jake’s new novel, Mind Over Murder, is the first crime fiction to be set in the world of EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: a powerful therapeutic technique for treating unprocessed trauma. The book is published by Next Chapter.
Melanie Morrison
Melanie Morrison is the Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, a foundation of the University of Sydney. She is a human rights advocate who leads the Foundation’s governance, strategic initiatives, partner and stakeholder outreach and communications programs. With a Master’s Degree from the University of Sydney, she has led communications and research programs across the corporate, non-profit, government and university sectors. She is an award-winning journalist, researcher and producer for her work in Australia and overseas.
Early Career Teachers
This course is designed for teachers in the earlier stages of their career. It will help Early Career Teachers in developing their practice, with an emphasis on their professionalism. The course will provide participants with practical strategies and deeper understanding of the theory and practice of good management and good teaching.
Further details to follow.
- 4 March 2026 at Suite 1.04, 1 Lowden Square, Wollongong, NSW 2500
- 19 March 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
- 19 August 2026 at NSW Teachers Federation, 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
$220
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
Lila Mularczyk
Lila Mularczyk’s commitment to education was recognised by being honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). Lila has been contributing to public education for 40 years. She currently is undertaking a portfolio of work including leading or participating on multiple National and State Education Boards and Reference Groups and projects (including, PEF, ACE, UTS, UNSW, NSWTF and CPL.) tertiary professional experience officer, coach and mentor, UNSW Gonski Institute, State and Vice Chair ACE, supporting HALT’s, tertiary lecturer, work in and for schools, research, contract work, critical friend, innovation projects etc.
Prior, Lila was the Director, Secondary Education, at the Department of Education. Immediately prior to this, Lila was President of the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council (SPC) from 2012 to 2016. As President and as a school Principal, Lila represented Public Education around Australia, and frequently globally, at conferences over many years. Lila was Principal at Merrylands High School for 15 years until 2016.
Further presenters to be confirmed