Professional Learning for Early Career Teachers and Teacher Tutors

POST-PRIMARY TEACHER TUTOR PROGRAMME: Supporting Lesson Observation through Professional Dialogue

Target audience: Teacher Tutors supporting Early Career Teachers in Post-Primary Schools 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 one-day programme is designed to equip Teacher Tutors in post-primary schools with the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively support Early Career Teachers in their context. Participants will explore the potential of professional dialogue as an impactful tool to promote learning and reflection before, during and after lesson observations. They will develop consistent and evidence‑informed approaches to observing classroom practice, and refine their ability to provide constructive, coaching‑orientated feedback. Teacher Tutors will collaborate, reflect and build practical strategies to strengthen monitoring, mentoring and professional dialogue in their own schools

Objectives

By the end of this one-day programme, Teacher Tutors will:

Understand how the lesson observation process can provide a catalyst for professional dialogue, professional reflection and professional learning in the post-primary setting, using a range of strategies including:

ETI Quality Indicators and ETI’s Learning Insight Profile for Post-Primary
Consistent, evidence‑informed approaches to observing learning, including identifying strengths and areas for development,
Practise providing developmental feedback that encourages ECTs to reflect and strengthen their teaching
Restorative language and approaches to manage challenging or sensitive conversations in a professional, relationship‑centred way.
Collaboration with fellow Teacher Tutors to share insights, common themes, and effective strategies for supporting ECTs in post-primary schools

  Time 9.30 am - 3.30 pm

 

This face-to-face professional development programme is a one day programme. Taking place on Friday May 29th 2026 in the conference room at Antrim Board Centre. EA is unable to provide sub cover for this event.

 

PRIMARY TEACHER TUTOR PROGRAMME: Supporting High‑Quality Learning, Observation & Feedback

Target audience: Teacher Tutors supporting Early Career Teachers in Primary Schools

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 two-day programme is designed to equip Teacher Tutors in primary schools with the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively support Early Career Teachers. Participants will explore what high‑quality learning and teaching looks like, develop consistent and evidence‑informed approaches to observing classroom practice, and refine their ability to provide constructive, coaching‑orientated feedback.

The programme also includes a dedicated session on restorative language and conversations, supporting Teacher Tutors to navigate challenging or sensitive discussions with ECTs in a purposeful, professional, and relationship‑centred way. Across the two days, Teacher Tutors will collaborate, reflect and build practical strategies to strengthen monitoring, mentoring and professional dialogue in their own schools

Objectives

By the end of this two‑day programme, Teacher Tutors will:

Understand what high‑quality learning and teaching looks like in the primary classroom, using a range of research informed indicators including:

ETI Quality Indicators and; ETI’s Learning Insight Profile for Primary Develop consistent, evidence‑informed approaches to observing learning, including identifying strengths and areas for development, Practise providing developmental feedback that encourages ECTs to reflect and strengthen their teaching Use restorative language and approaches to manage challenging or sensitive conversations in a professional, relationship‑centred way. Collaborate with fellow Teacher Tutors to share insights, common themes, and effective strategies for supporting ECTs in primary schools

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This face-to-face professional development programme is a two day programme. Taking place on Wednesday 6th May & Friday 5th June 2026 in Antrim Board Centre.

CLEAPSS Health & Safety in Practical Science for Early Career Teachers 2026

CLEAPSS H&S in Practical Science for Early Career Teachers

Target Audience:

Post-Primary Science Early Career Teachers Induction/EPD1/EPD2

Science teaching has a very good health and safety record. However, there are many hazardous chemicals, living organisms, and unfamiliar pieces of equipment and procedures in use in school laboratories. As well as knowing how to work safely, Early Career Teachers need to develop the skills needed to run a successful and safe practical lesson. As part of the course we will consider what this means and offer suggestions and tips based on CLEAPSS resources.

The objectives for this one-day, face-to-face course are to:

raise the awareness of health and safety matters affecting new science teachers fulfil, in part, the obligation on employers to provide health and safety training for new staff develop an understanding of risk assessment allow participants to share concerns about health and safety matters further develop skills and techniques for running a successful practical lesson

Matt Endean Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, will lead this professional learning opportunity.

 

Dates:       Three dates to choose from in May 2026

Location:  EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown or Armagh Teachers' Centre

Times:       9:30 am to approx. 3:30pm

Please have the approval of your Principal to attend.

Your course fee will be paid by EA. Hospitality will be provided. It is important that the full name of the participant and their C2K email (not personal) are used for the purposes of efficient contact, registers and certification. To apply you will need your school DE Reference number, if you are currently not in post/supply teaching please enter a zero. You will receive immediate confirmation to the email address supplied, therefore please ensure you enter your C2K email correctly! Please let us know ASAP if you need to cancel as we can then award your place to the next applicant on the waiting list. This training is open to all post primary school management types across NI.

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.

Special Schools Only:  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

 

In compliance with Regulation 13(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, the EA School Development Service will be offering one day health and safety training, provided by CLEAPSS, for ECTs in Northern Ireland.  Attendance at this course is a crucial factor in the mitigation of risk in school science and to reduce the likelihood of HSENI prosecutions against the EA, or your school, and any resultant civil actions arising out of accidents. 

This one-day, Face-to-Face course will de-bunk some of the myths surrounding what you can and cannot do in science lessons as well as exploring the legal requirements and duties placed on teachers and their employers. Activities in the lab that commonly give rise to problems will be highlighted and discussed, and there will be opportunities to discuss each participant’s own safety concerns.

On this course you will look at model risk assessments, such as Hazcards, and consider how these can be used to address problems presented by a particular activity, school, room or class. You will also look at the importance of adopting control measures, such as eye protection, and of sticking to agreed procedures. The session dealing with emergencies will look at Immediate Remedial Measures for personal injuries and other incidents.

There will be 4 sessions during the day:

Safety in school science Risk assessment and dealing with emergencies How to make the best use of CLEAPSS resources Dealing with issues raised by participants including learning from past accidents

Each workshop includes a number of activities such as presentations, discussion in groups, quizzes etc.

ECT Digital Skills Professional Learning Day (Nursery/Primary/Special)

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers 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

In this interactive session, the C2k eLearning team will guide attendees through what is available on the C2k/EdIS system.  The session will provide an overview of the My-School interface and hands on experience of effective tools to support learning and teaching. Attendees will be able to access the best tools available across the C2k/EdIS network on their return to school.

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Build confidence in using a range of digital tools to enhance classroom practice and pupil engagement. Understand how to efficiently access and use the My-School portal for teaching and learning resources. Explore how Microsoft 354 and Google Classroom can support teaching, learning, productivity, and accessibility in everyday classroom activities. Discover how C2K Newsdesk can be used to support communication skills development through engaging, real-world content. Receive guidance on the responsible and effective use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to support teaching and learning. Date

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

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.  Special Schools Only:  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Date:  One week before the event date.

This professional learning opportunity aims to support the development of the following GTCNI competences:

GTCNI Competence No 1

Teachers should demonstrate that they understand and uphold the core values and commitments enshrined in the Council’s Code of Values and Professional Practice.

GTCNI Competence No 2

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates about the nature and purposes of education and the social and policy contexts in which the aims of education are defined and implemented.

GTCNI Competence No 11

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of how to use technology effectively, both to aid pupil learning and to support their professional role, and how this competence embeds across all of the competences.

ECT Digital Skills Professional Learning Day (Post-Primary/Special)

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers 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

In this interactive session, the C2k eLearning team will guide attendees through what is available on the C2k/EdIS system.  The session will provide an overview of the My-School interface and hands on experience of effective tools to support learning and teaching. Attendees will be able to access the best tools available across the C2k/EdIS network on their return to school.

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Build confidence in using a range of digital tools to enhance classroom practice and pupil engagement. Understand how to efficiently access and use the My-School portal for teaching and learning resources. Explore how Microsoft 354 and Google Classroom can support teaching, learning, productivity, and accessibility in everyday classroom activities. Discover how C2K Newsdesk can be used to support communication skills development through engaging, real-world content. Receive guidance on the responsible and effective use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to support teaching and learning. Date

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

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.  Special Schools Only:  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Date:  One week before the event date.

This professional learning opportunity aims to support the development of the following GTCNI competences:

GTCNI Competence No 1

Teachers should demonstrate that they understand and uphold the core values and commitments enshrined in the Council’s Code of Values and Professional Practice.

GTCNI Competence No 2

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates about the nature and purposes of education and the social and policy contexts in which the aims of education are defined and implemented.

GTCNI Competence No 11

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of how to use technology effectively, both to aid pupil learning and to support their professional role, and how this competence embeds across all of the competences.