First Year Teacher Specialised Learning Program

Course description

This is an immersive program in line with the Teachers Agreement 2023, which enables First Year Teachers (beginning teachers, new teachers to the department and anyone who started in the department after the first day of Term 1 in 2025) to be inducted into the Department for Education, Children and Young People’s (DECYP) ways of working, culture, and expectations. First Year Teachers will receive timely and practical learning to support their successful transition to the classroom. The program will be delivered by Subject Matter Experts from DECYP, ensuring a thorough understanding of teaching and learning requirements and the supports available at DECYP.

Throughout the three professional learning days, participants in the program will develop knowledge and capability to support classroom readiness and the transition into school life. The themes for each day are as follows:

DECYP structure and expectation setting
First Year Teachers will:

• learn about DECYP’s organisational structure and values
• develop an understanding of the State Service Code of Conduct and Behaviour Expectations for teachers
• develop strategies to support their wellbeing and an understanding of the organisational supports available to them.

Teaching and Learning
First Year Teachers will learn about the resources available to support their practice, especially within the Teaching and Learning Centre. Through the lens of the Teaching Standards and Australian Curriculum, they will:

• develop an understanding of selecting and using appropriate learning resources, collecting evidence and reporting against the 9-point scale
• learn about DECYPs Lifting Literacy priority.

Supporting a positive classroom culture
First Year Teachers will:

• gain an understanding of inclusive practice and how it can be implemented in the classroom
• develop strategies to respond to challenging behaviour, in line with DECYP policy and procedures
• develop strategies to support First Nation learners and knowledge of teaching for all, by promoting inclusion, equity, and excellence, and planning for differentiation.

Course outcomes

• Develop knowledge and capabilities to support classroom readiness and the transition into school life 
• Deepen knowledge and understanding of the Department for Education, Children and Young People 
• Understand the support and resources available for our Teachers and how to access them
• Build a professional learning network with other First Year Teachers and the wider DECYP community