PD Update for September
Upcoming Events
JPIC PD Fest for High School Preparation
Conference: 1 October, 8:30 AM – 3:40 PM
John Paul College, 125 John Paul Drive, Daisy Hill QLD
JPIC invites you to attend the PD Fest for ESL / ELICOS HSP Teachers and Support staff. Join us for a professional development festival, showcasing best practice in the sector.
Cost: Free. Morning tea and lunch provided.
Support Yourself and Your Team
Webinar: 2 October, 7-8pm (AEST)
You’re invited to attend a free webinar for academic managers and senior teachers on the subject of wellbeing for teachers and managers, presented by Andy Hockley and Stephen Heap. This webinar will also provide a short introduction the International Diploma in Language Teaching Management (IDLTM).
Reading Group to Build Assessment Literacy
Webinar: 8 October 2025, 2.30-3.30pm (AEDT)
Hosted by English Australia’s Assessment Special Interest Group, this webinar will showcase how the University of Adelaide’s English Language Centre is piloting a structured ‘Assessment Reading Group’ that leverages targeted research readings and guided reflection to build teacher assessment literacy and shift teachers towards actionable change.
IELTS Teacher Training: An Introduction for New IELTS Teachers and Tutors
Webinar: 18 October, 10:00 am (AEDT)
In this webinar, we will look at all four parts of the IELTS test (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and discuss useful details to help students improve both their English skills and their test-taking skills. Duration: 3 hours (including Q&A)
*Please note that this workshop is exclusively for teachers based in Australia, New Zealand, or Japan.
GenAI CoP Session – Building Custom GPTs and Copilot Agents
Webinar: 23 October, 2:00-3.00pm (AEDT)
Join the Ed-Tech SIG for its next AI Community of Practice interactive session which will move from learning about Custom GPTs and Copilot Agents to building them, with a hands-on demo followed by opportunities to try for yourself.
Facilitated by Ed-Tech SIG Deputy Convenor Christie Anderson.
“But I’m not qualified to diagnose!” Impacting and inspiring neurodiverse learners
Webinar: 29 October, 3.00pm-4.00pm (AEDT)
Hosted by English Australia’s Wellbeing Special Interest Group, this webinar will elaborate on how neurodivergence can present in an English language classroom and provide evidence-based strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners.
AI Bots vs Boffins: How can we best assist our students?
Webinar: 5 November, 3.30pm-4.30pm (AEDT)
The growing use of AI Chat Bots to support student learning is a contentious issue in education. The panellists in this discussion will share their very differing views on the relative merits of bots and boffins (humans) in student support and speculate on the future of both.
This online panel discussion is hosted by the Post-entry English and Academic Language SIG (PEAL SIG).
2025 Ed-Tech Symposium – Call for abstracts
The English Australia Ed Tech Special Interest Group will host their annual virtual Ed Tech Symposium on 12 and 13 November at 3.00pm-4.30pm (AEDT) and we are now calling for abstracts from people who would like to present!
The theme of the Symposium is ‘Beyond the Hype: Putting GenAI into Practice’ and it’s all about empowering educators to explore, experiment, and apply GenAI in ways that make a real difference for students.
We invite abstracts showcasing practical classroom strategies, professional development initiatives, research insights, and critical reflections. There are 2 presentation formats: 1) 10-minute lightning talks, and 2) 15-minute presentations.
Submit your abstract to present by 3 October!
Adapting, Evolving, Leading: Highlights from the 2025 English Australia Conference
The 2025 English Australia Conference was a true celebration of what makes our sector so powerful—our people, our students, and our shared commitment to quality education. Held in Brisbane from 27–29 August with the theme “Adapting, Evolving, Leading,” this year’s conference brought together English language teachers, leaders, policy makers, and other key sector stakeholder for three days of learning, connection and big-picture thinking about where we’re headed next.
The program didn’t shy away from the real challenges we face—but it also inspired hope. We heard from Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill, who reaffirmed the government’s support for high-quality providers and the importance of the work we do. Keynote speaker Marnie Watson set the tone early with her talk “Leading with Empathy, Acting with Intention,” reminding us that empathy is not only powerful but essential to strong, sustainable leadership in education. Sessions throughout the event explored AI-supported pedagogy, Transnational Education (TNE), post-entry English support, assessment trends, and inclusive classroom practice—plus, we heard directly from students themselves through plenary sessions and a special panel.
One of the most moving moments came on Day 2 with a performance by the UQ Voices Community Choir, filling the venue with energy and pure joy. The conference closed with a powerful student voice, as Varsha Devi Balakrishnan shared her journey at Monash College and spoke about the life-changing impact ELICOS teachers can have. And to cap it all off? The announcement that the 2026 English Australia Conference will be heading to Melbourne! Dates will be announced soon—so stay tuned, and we hope to see you there.
Read Minister Hill’s Address here
Wrapping Up a Successful Year of the Academic Managers’ SIG Mentorship Program
The Academic Managers’ SIG Mentorship Program has successfully wrapped up its second year, continuing to build strong professional connections across the ELICOS sector. Designed to match emerging academic managers with experienced mentors, the six-month program provides a structured space for guidance and professional development.
To support participants, the SIG offers clear guidelines and runs dedicated workshops for both mentors and mentees, helping them get the most out of the experience. The program’s core aims remain to support future leaders, encourage the sharing of knowledge, and foster a collaborative, supportive professional community.
This year’s participants have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, with mentees reporting greater confidence in their roles and mentors highlighting the mutual value of the exchange. Thank you to everyone who took part — your commitment continues to strengthen our community and shape the future of academic leadership in ELICOS.
Join the Academic Manager’s SIG
