Teachers and leaders can advance their careers in the country through a range of professional learning opportunities. These opportunities help you refine your skills and learn new ones, as well as expand your network of colleagues and mentors.

Early Career Teacher Development program

The Early Career Teacher Development program supports department teachers to transition from graduate to proficient in their first 2 years of teaching.

Early career teachers based in the country can participate by:

• attending face-to-face program days in country areas
• accessing online learning modules and resources
• working with local mentors.

For beginning teachers in remote or geographically isolated locations, you can access the program days online or participate in the modular version.

To find out more about the program visit the Orbis website or email orbis@sa.gov.au.

Department staff can visit the ECT dashboard on plink to register for the program.

Orbis professional learning programs

Teachers and leaders can access professional learning programs through Orbis.

Orbis works with world-leading providers to co-design and facilitate learning that:

• has a South Australian context
• aligns to the department’s Strategy for Public Education
• reflects the South Australian and Australian Curriculum
• is supported by the latest research.

As a country teacher or leader, you can receive additional funding to support travel and accommodation to attend the programs. A range of hybrid and fully online programs are also on offer.

To find out more visit the Orbis website or email orbis@sa.gov.au.

Opportunities for aspiring leaders

The Future Leaders program helps identify, develop and prepare high-performing aspiring leaders for upcoming leadership vacancies in country areas. This supports country areas that experience ongoing challenges with recruiting leaders.

Participants receive tailored feedback and individual development plans based on their skills, capabilities and experience and the unique needs of their school and region.

Participants will be selected via a local nomination committee. Successful nominees are supported through their development planning and activities by a mentor.

For more information about the program visit the Orbis website or email orbis@sa.gov.au.

New site leaders

The New Site Leader program provides leaders access to valuable webinars packed with expert advice and support on relevant topics, like governance, finance and human resources. These resources are all designed to help navigate key reporting requirements for schools and preschools.

If you’re a first-time principal or preschool director in a 12-month role, you’re automatically enrolled in the program. You’ll be paired with a Leader Advisor who’ll provide hands-on coaching to guide you in your new role. Whether it’s a current peer, or an experienced, retired principal or director. Your advisor will provide you with up to 24 hours of confidential, one-on-one leadership support within 12-months of joining the program. Coaching is provided at no cost to you or your school or preschool.

To find out more about the program visit the Orbis website or email orbis@sa.gov.au.

Formal recognition for highly skilled teachers

Highly skilled, exemplary teachers can receive formal recognition as a Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) or Lead Teacher (LT) through National Teacher Certification.

Certification is available to teachers across the state, including regional and remote areas where many teachers are already certified.

If you want to advance your career and be recognised among the best teachers in the country, there’s a professional learning program to support your national certification application.

Participants will receive:

• funding for certification fees and 3 face-to-face professional learning days - specialised sessions focusing on portfolio submission preparation
• self-directed resources and process map guiding them through the requirements
• up to 5 release days for participation and evidence collection.

To find out more about the program visit the Orbis website or email orbis@sa.gov.au.

Department staff can find out more about applying at Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers (login required) on our intranet (EDi).