Professional Learning for Early Career Teachers and Teacher Tutors

New Teacher Tutor Support Workshop

Target audience:  New Teacher Tutors supporting Early Career Teachers (teacher tutors who require an update are also welcome to attend). Teacher Tutors registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event. About this event Aims

The teacher tutor face-to-face workshop will provide you with information on the key principles and practices of the teacher tutor process as well as introducing your teachers to a career long pathway of Teacher Professional Learning (TPL).  You will be taken through the elements required to complete induction and EPD and consider how your teachers will develop the skills of a reflective practitioner in line with the vision of the Learning Leaders Strategy.  The full day face-to-face session will be an opportunity to begin to build collaborative networks to support and develop your practice and learn from other teacher tutors that have been identified as leading practitioners.

Objectives

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the requirements of being a teacher tutor within the context of lifelong learning, the GTCNI competences and Learning Leaders. 

Examine the induction and EPD planning process and the structure of an induction/EPD portfolio of evidence.  

Consider the perspectives of teacher tutors from different contexts. 

Consider the skills involved in supporting Early Career Teachers. 

Create your own professional network through collaborative practices and activities.

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the benefits of planning effective learning conversations with ECTs.

Present practical strategies for teacher tutors to implement when supporting ECTs.  

Signpost to supporting resources and ideas. 

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This cross phase face-to-face professional development opportunity is offered in each locality/region.  You need only select one date from the options available.

Date Venue  26 September 2025  EA Antrim Board Centre  7 October 2025  EA Dundonald Office  15 October 2025  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown

Substitute cover will be provided to your school to facilitate your attendance (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after course attendance (details taken from signed Registration Sheet).  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Dates:  One week before the date of each event listed.

Introduction to the Role of Teacher Tutor Webinar

Target audience:  New Teacher Tutors Existing Teacher Tutors are also invited to attend if they require an update. Teacher Tutors registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

This teacher tutor webinar will provide teacher tutors with information on the key principles and practices of the teacher tutor process as well as introducing their teachers to a career long pathway of Teacher Professional Learning (TPL).  They will be taken through the elements required to complete induction and EPD and consider how their teachers will develop the skills of a reflective practitioner in line with the vision of the Learning Leaders strategy.

Webinar Objectives

Develop teacher tutor knowledge and understanding of the requirements of being a teacher tutor within the context of lifelong learning, the GTCNI competences and Learning Leaders.

Examine the induction and EPD planning process and the structure of an induction/EPD portfolio of evidence.

Look at the “what, why and how” of their teachers’ classroom practice - developing vision, values and reflective habits..

Time

3.45 pm - 4.30 pm

This online training event will take place via MS Teams.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to receive the event joining details.

Effective Coaching and Mentoring Strategies for Teacher Tutors Webinar

Target audience:  Teacher Tutors Teacher Tutors registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event. About this event

This teacher tutor webinar will provide teacher tutors with definitions of coaching and mentoring, what distinguishes one from the other and when to use one or the other depending on the learning needs of the ECT.  The skills and behaviours required to be an effective coach/mentor will be explored along with the importance of building relationships with ECT’s through rapport building, empathy and trust.

Webinar Objectives

Understand the role and responsibilities of a Teacher Tutor.

Understand the role/potential of professional dialogue plays as a key element of a teacher’s CPD (research).

Explain to participants the definitions of coaching and mentoring.

Explore effective mentoring and coaching techniques.

Time

3.45 pm - 4.30 pm

This online training event will take place via MS Teams.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to receive the event joining details.

Introduction to EPD Webinar - ECT Professional Learning

Target audience: Early Career Teachers completing Early Professional Development Year 1 & Year 2 (EPD1 & EPD2) (Cross Phase - Nursery, Primary, Post-Primary & Special) ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.  About this event

The EPD webinar will provide EPD1 and EPD2 teachers with updates on the key principles and practices of the EPD process as well as linking to a career long pathway of Teacher Professional Learning (TPL).  They will revisit the elements required to complete EPD and consider the skills of a reflective practitioner in line with the vision of the Learning Leaders strategy. 

Webinar Objectives

Consolidate ECT knowledge and understanding of the requirements of EPD within the context of lifelong learning, the GTCNI competences and Learning Leaders.

Review the EPD action planning process and the structure of an EPD portfolio of evidence.

Look at the “what, why and how” of classroom practice - their vision, values and building reflective habits.

Time

3.45 pm - 4.30 pm

This online training event will take place via MS Teams.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to receive the event joining details.

Introduction to Induction Core Day - ECT Professional Learning

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers completing Induction ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event Aims

To introduce ECTs to the teaching profession in Northern Ireland, including its unique characteristics and challenges.

To provide opportunities for ECTs to explore their values, aims and visions for themselves as teachers.

To empower ECTs to navigate their professional journey effectively, starting from a strong foundation of reflective practice.

To familiarise ECTs with essential resources to support their induction and the support systems available to them.

To provide the opportunities for each locality group to suggest ideas for the programme.

To build a community of learning where participants can share experiences.

Objectives

Understand how their own unique vision for learners aligns with their values as a teacher and how it impacts in the classroom and on learners. 

Understand the key professional competences for teachers in Northern Ireland. 

Navigate the EA’s Induction website and be familiar with its supporting resources. 

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This face-to-face professional development opportunity is offered in each locality/region.  You need only select one date from the options available.

Introduction to Induction Core Day (Target Audience:  Nursery/Primary/Special)

Date Venue Session ID  21 Oct 2025  EA Antrim Board Centre  (12081)  4 Nov 2025  EA Dundonald HQ (12082)  18 Nov 2025  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown (12083)

Introduction to Induction Core Day (Target Audience: Post-Primary/Special)

Date Venue Session ID  22 Oct 2025  EA Antrim Board Centre (12084)  5 Nov 2025  EA Dundonald HQ (12085)  11 Nov 2025  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown (12086)

Substitute cover is available for the release of ECTs working in schools (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Dates:  One week before the date of each event listed.

ECTs Promoting Positive Relationships in your classroom. Supporting Social, Behaviour, Emotional and Wellbeing Pupils (SBEW) - Nursery/Primary/Special

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD1 & EPD2) in Nursery/Primary/Special ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

This full-day professional learning event is designed to support Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in developing confidence and competence in meeting the Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) needs of pupils in Nursery/Primary/Special.

Grounded in the Department of Education’s Special Educational Needs and Inclusion in Mainstream Schools file, the day will combine exploration of key guidance with hands-on, practical activities. ECTs will engage in collaborative learning, case study discussions and interactive workshops to deepen their understanding and enhance their inclusive classroom practice.

Objectives

Understand the key principles and guidance from the SBEW chapter of the DE Special Needs file.

Recognise the signs and underlying factors associated with SBEW needs in pupils.

Apply a range of practical strategies to support emotional regulation, positive behaviour, and wellbeing in the classroom.

Reflect on their own classroom environment and teaching style to identify opportunities for more inclusive and nurturing practice.

Develop a personalised action plan to implement learning from the day into their own setting.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This face-to-face professional development opportunity is offered in each locality/region.  You need only select one date from the options available.

Date Venue Session ID 7 Nov 2025  EA Antrim Board Centre  (12108) 12 Nov 2025  EA Dundonald Office (12109) 19 Nov 2025  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown (12110)

Substitute cover is available for the release of ECTs working in schools (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Dates:  One week before the date of each event listed.

ECTs Promoting Positive Relationships in your classroom. Supporting Social, Behaviour, Emotional and Wellbeing Pupils (SBEW) - Post-Prim/Special

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD1 & EPD2) in Post-Primary/Special ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

This full-day professional learning event is designed to support Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in developing confidence and competence in meeting the Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) needs of pupils.

Grounded in the Department of Education’s Special Educational Needs and Inclusion in Mainstream Schools file, the day will combine exploration of key guidance with hands-on, practical activities. ECTs will engage in collaborative learning, case study discussions and interactive workshops to deepen their understanding and enhance their inclusive classroom practice.

Objectives

Understand the key principles and guidance from the SBEW chapter of the DE Special Needs file.

Recognise the signs and underlying factors associated with SBEW needs in pupils.

Apply a range of practical strategies to support emotional regulation, positive behaviour, and wellbeing in the classroom.

Reflect on their own classroom environment and teaching style to identify opportunities for more inclusive and nurturing practice.

Develop a personalised action plan to implement learning from the day into their own setting.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This face-to-face professional development opportunity is offered in each locality/region.  You need only select one date from the options available.

Date Venue Session ID 28 Nov 2025  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown (12105) 2 Dec 2025  EA Antrim Board Centre (12106) 5 Dec 2025  EA Dundonald Office (12107)

Substitute cover is available for the release of ECTs working in schools (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Dates:  One week before the date of each event listed.

CCEA/EA Conference for ECTs: Empowering ECTs through the Northern Ireland Curriculum: Coherence, Capability and Confidence

Target audience: Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD) ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

This event provides a valuable opportunity for ECTs to focus on the Northern Ireland Curriculum, including planning, assessment, and pedagogy and to engage with high-quality resources developed by CCEA to support its delivery.

Aims

To allow ECTs to explore the aim, purpose and objectives of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in the context of TransformEdNI.

To explore aspects of high-quality learning and teaching supporting the delivery of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

To equip ECTs with the knowledge and principles around effective assessment practices  that align with the NIC and supports pupil progression.

To support ECTs in confidently addressing contemporary and sensitive issues through a preventative, age-appropriate, and Northern Ireland Curriculum aligned approach.

To help ECTs understand how the Northern Ireland Curriculum underpins their professional growth during Induction and EPD, supporting reflective practice, curriculum planning, and capability development aligned with the GTCNI teacher competences.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

Venue

Lisburn Civic Centre (Island Civic Centre)

Substitute cover is available for the release of ECTs working in schools (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to ensure you receive a confirmation message and any further relevant details.

Bookings for this event close at 10.00 am on Monday, 17 November 2025.

NOTE:  By signing up for this event, you agree that your data may be shared with the Education Authority (EA) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) for purposes related to the organisation and delivery of this conference.  It will not be shared or processed for any other purpose without your express consent.

ECTs in Special Schools Support and Development Day 1

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD) in a Special School Setting ECTs who are registered with the EA as working in a Special School for the 2025-2026 academic year will receive a unique access code from the iepd mailbox, which they can use to apply for this event.  Please note that since this event is specifically for ECTs in special schools, the general access code provided during ECT registration will not be valid. About this event

Day 1: Foundations of Practice in Special Education 

This first day of the three-day programme is designed to support Early Career Teachers working in special school settings as they begin their professional journey. The session will provide a foundational understanding of the unique ethos, values and operational structures that define special schools. Participants will explore key legislation and policy frameworks, gain clarity on professional expectations, and begin to build supportive networks within the Education Authority. The day will also introduce the structure and requirements of the Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD) processes, ensuring ECTs feel confident in accessing the guidance and resources available to them.

Objectives

Develop a clear understanding of the ethos, values, and operational structures unique to special schools. 

Gain awareness of key legislation, policy frameworks, and professional expectations relevant to special education. 

Build initial professional networks and identify key support systems within the Education Authority. 

Understand the structure and expectations of the Induction and EPD processes, including how to access support and resources.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

Substitute cover will be provided to your school to facilitate your attendance.  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to ensure you receive a confirmation message and any further relevant details.

Event Closing Date:  Bookings for this event close at 10.00 am on Thursday, 6 November 2025.

Note:  Information and bookings for Day 2 and Day 3 of this programme will be released later in the term.

ECT Webinar: Promoting Positive Relationships - Supporting Pupils with Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) Needs

Target audience: Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD1 & EPD2) ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

This webinar focuses on understanding and addressing pupils’ Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) needs, drawing on guidance from the Department of Education’s Special Educational Needs and Inclusion in Mainstream Schools file. Participants will explore the key messages from the SBEW chapter, examine practical strategies for early identification and support and learn how to create nurturing, inclusive environments that promote positive relationships and emotional resilience. The session will also highlight the range of supports available from the Education Authority.

Webinar Objectives

Understand the definition and scope of SBEW needs as outlined in DE guidance.

Recognise early signs and risk factors associated with SBEW difficulties in pupils.

Apply practical, evidence-informed strategies to support pupils’ emotional regulation, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Create a safe and supportive classroom climate that fosters trust, connection, and inclusion.

Reflect on their own practice and identify next steps for developing inclusive, trauma-informed approaches.

Time

3.45 pm - 4.30 pm

Two webinars will be offered on 24 November 2025.  Please select the option that best aligns with your circumstances:

The webinar with ID Number (12111) is intended for those in Post-Primary or Special Education settings.

The webinar with ID Number (12112) is intended for participants from Nursery, Primary, or Special Education settings.

This online training event will take place via MS Teams.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to receive the event joining details.

ECT Webinar: Developing Positive Relationships with Parents

Target audience: Early Career Teachers undertaking Induction and Early Professional Development (EPD1 & EPD2) ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

Strong home-school partnerships are key to pupil achievement and wellbeing.  This webinar will explore practical strategies for engaging parents effectively, building trust and fostering meaningful communication. Designed specifically for Early Career Teachers, the session will highlight how parental engagement supports learning, aligns with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, and contributes to your professional growth during Induction and EPD.

Webinar Objectives

Understand the importance of parental engagement.

Identify effective strategies for engaging parents.

Develop confidence in communicating with parents.

Connect parental engagement to GTCNI competences.

Time

3.45 pm - 4.30 pm

Two webinars will be offered on Monday, 8 December 2025.  Please select the option that best aligns with your circumstances:

The webinar with ID Number (12113) is intended for those in Post-Primary or Special Education settings.

The webinar with ID Number (12114) is intended for participants from Nursery, Primary, or Special Education settings.

This online training event will take place via MS Teams.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to receive the event joining details.