Professional Learning for Early Career Teachers and Teacher Tutors

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.

Exploring SEND in the Primary Classroom - A professional learning day for ECTs

Target audience:  Primary Early Career Teachers 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 dedicated SEND day for Early Career Teachers offers a practical introduction to inclusive education within the primary setting.  Participants will explore effective strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, understand the principles underpinning inclusive education and develop confidence in supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEN).  The day also focuses on meaningful target setting and review within Personal Learning Plans (PLPs), differentiation and accommodations for diverse learners, and the importance of collaboration with support staff and external agencies.

Aims

To equip ECTs with strategies to create an inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.  To promote the integration of diverse learners into the classroom community, fostering a sense of belonging and participation.  To provide ECTs with tools and techniques for setting meaningful and achievable targets within Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs).  Objectives Develop an understanding of inclusive education principles and their importance in promoting pupil success and well-being. Be familiar with effective differentiation strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles within the classroom. Understand ways to celebrate and embrace diversity in the classroom, creating a culture of respect and acceptance. Understand the purpose and components of Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs), including setting SMART targets and monitoring progress. Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This in-person professional development opportunity is available on three separate dates and at multiple venues.  Please select one date from the options provided.

Date

Venue

Session ID

20 April 2026

EA Omagh Technology Education Centre

(12125)

23 April 2026

EA Armagh Teachers' Centre

(12126)

29 April 2026

EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown

(12127)

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

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

GTCNI Competence No 6

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the factors that promote and hinder effective learning, and be aware of the need to provide for the holistic development of the child.

GTCNI Competence No 7

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of a range of strategies to promote and maintain positive behaviour, including an acknowledgement of pupil voice, to establish an effective learning environment.

GTCNI Competence No 9

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities under the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and know the features of the most common special needs and appropriate strategies to address these.

GTCNI Competence No 16

Teachers will deploy, organise and guide the work of other adults to support pupils’ learning, when appropriate.

Exploring SEND in the Post-Primary Classroom - A professional learning day for ECTs

Target audience:  Post-Primary Early Career Teachers 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 dedicated SEND day for Early Career Teachers offers a practical introduction to inclusive education within the post-primary setting.  Participants will explore effective strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, understand the principles underpinning inclusive education and develop confidence in supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEN).  The day also focuses on meaningful target setting and review within Personal Learning Plans (PLPs), differentiation and accommodations for diverse learners, and the importance of collaboration with support staff and external agencies.

Aims To equip ECTs with strategies to create an inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.  To promote the integration of diverse learners into the classroom community, fostering a sense of belonging and participation.  To provide ECTs with tools and techniques for setting meaningful and achievable targets within Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs).  Objectives Develop an understanding of inclusive education principles and their importance in promoting pupil success and well-being. Be familiar with effective differentiation strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles within the classroom. Understand ways to celebrate and embrace diversity in the classroom, creating a culture of respect and acceptance. Understand the purpose and components of Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs), including setting SMART targets and monitoring progress. Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

There are two different dates and venues for this in-person professional development opportunity.  You only need to choose one option from the available dates.

Date Venue Session ID 21 April 2026 EA Omagh Technology Education Centre (12134) 30 April 2026 EA Clounagh Centre, Portadown (12132)

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

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

GTCNI Competence No 6

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the factors that promote and hinder effective learning, and be aware of the need to provide for the holistic development of the child.

GTCNI Competence No 7

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of a range of strategies to promote and maintain positive behaviour, including an acknowledgement of pupil voice, to establish an effective learning environment.

GTCNI Competence No 9

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities under the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and know the features of the most common special needs and appropriate strategies to address these.

GTCNI Competence No 16

Teachers will deploy, organise and guide the work of other adults to support pupils’ learning, when appropriate.

ST(em) in Practice: Supporting Primary Teachers with Science and Technology

Target audience:  Primary Early Career Teachers 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 interactive session explores how Early Career Teachers can confidently apply evidence-informed approaches to teaching Science and Technology in primary classrooms.  With a practical, hands-on focus, the session will highlight strategies for developing pupils’ scientific thinking, technological curiosity and language skills through purposeful oracy and key vocabulary development.  While the session sits within a broader ST(em) theme, the emphasis will be on Science and Technology, with signposting to Maths and ICT where appropriate.  Participants will leave with adaptable ideas and resources to support thematic planning and cross-curricular links, particularly in literacy.

Objectives

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

Identify evidence-informed strategies for teaching Science and Technology in primary settings. Apply practical approaches to develop pupils’ scientific enquiry and technological understanding. Integrate oracy and key vocabulary to strengthen literacy links within ST(em) learning. Recognise opportunities for cross-curricular connections, including ICT and Maths, within thematic planning. Access and adapt resources to support ST(em) teaching in their own classroom contexts. Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

This in-person professional development opportunity is offered on two separate dates and at different locations.  You need only select one date from the options available.

Date Venue Session ID 21 April 2026 Ulster University Coleraine (12483) 22 April 2026 Stranmillis University College (12484)

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.

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

GTCNI Competence No 3

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the learning area/subject(s) they teach, including the centrality of strategies and initiatives to improve literacy, numeracy and thinking skills, keeping curricular, subject and pedagogical knowledge up-to-date through reflection, self-study and collaboration with colleagues.

GTCNI Competence No 4

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of how the learning area/subject(s) they teach contribute to the Northern Ireland Curriculum and be aware of curriculum requirements in preceding and subsequent key stages.

GTCNI Competence No 5

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of curriculum development processes, including planning, implementation and evaluation.

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.

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.

ECTs in Special Schools Support and Development Day 3

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers 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

This third face‑to‑face professional learning day builds on the themes explored during Days 1 and 2  and offers Early Career Teachers working in special schools the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key Educational Psychology resources and to strengthen their practice within multidisciplinary contexts.

Across the day, ECTs will engage with practical tools - including the Environmental Checklist and the ABC Guide - to support assessment, planning and intervention for pupils with diverse and complex needs. Allied Health Professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, will provide insights to help ECTs enhance collaboration and embed therapeutic approaches within everyday classroom practice.

There will also be dedicated time for reflection on the ECT induction and EPD journey so far, enabling participants to consolidate learning, celebrate successes and identify next steps in their professional growth.

Objectives

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

Deepen their understanding of key EA Educational Psychology resources, with a particular focus on the Environmental Checklist and the ABC Guide and apply these within a special school context.

Strengthen their confidence in working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to support pupil needs.

Gain practical insights from allied health professionals, including Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, to inform classroom strategies and whole‑class approaches.

Reflect on their induction and EPD journey, evaluating what has gone well and identifying next steps for professional development.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

Venue

EA Antrim Board Centre

Please be advised that attendance on Day 1 and/or Day 2 of this programme is not a prerequisite.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Date:  Bookings for this event close at 4.00 pm on Thursday, 16 April 2026

Completing Early Professional Development (EPD2) Webinar

Target audience: Early Career Teachers undertaking 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

A look at the completion of EPD2:  What elements does an ECT need to have in place for successful completion during the academic year?

The webinar will look at the EPD2 process and what is entailed for the ECT.  There will be suggestions on ways that an ECT can complete EPD2 in different phases and different settings (permanent/supply teaching).

Webinar Objectives Develop an understanding of the EPD process, in particular the second part, EPD2. Develop an understanding of completion of EPD2 in a variety of school settings. Develop skills and strategies to progress the ECT through the EPD process. Date

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

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.

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

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.

Wrapping up the Induction Year Webinar - ECT Professional Learning

Target audience: Early Career Teachers undertaking 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

This webinar explores the end-of-year processes for Induction including the induction portfolio requirements.  The session explores the GTCNI Portal and concludes with next steps including an overview of Early Professional Development (EPD).

Webinar Objectives Develop an understanding of the year end processes for Induction, including the Induction Portfolio Requirements. Explore the GTCNI Portal and identify key documents to upload to confirm completion of induction. Consider next steps for the new academic year, including an introduction to Early Professional Development (EPD). Date

Monday, 20 April 2026

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.

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

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.