NESA Lodgement

Teachers are able to enter the conference as ETAMS Elective PD on the NESA site. Representatives from the Conference Committee have developed a statement, shown below, which teachers can use on the NESA site.

The SEPLA-CON 2024 conference supported the professional learning of teachers of students with disabilities in any setting.

The event supported the professional journey of teachers working with students with behaviour support needs, with emotional disturbances, intellectual and physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, chronic health conditions and other learning support needs.

The day was comprised of three keynote addresses and two workshops choices.

Throughout the course, the participants:

• Engaged with current research in the area of change
• Connected with practitioners with expertise in the area of special education working with a range of disabilities including students with communication disorders, challenging behaviours, emotional disturbances and complex multiple learning needs
• Reflected on their own practices in supporting students with disabilities
• Examined adjustments appropriate to the needs of the students in their class.

The conference provided professional learning with a supportive and collegial environment to teachers of students with disabilities. Teachers not only benefited from the input of the keynote addresses and workshops but also from building professional relationships and networks. Teachers and supp[ort staff had the opportunity to exchange expertise and engage in professional dialogue. Additionally, it supported teacher wellbeing and professional resilience by taking time for professional learning and reflection.

SEPLA has provided the statewide special education conference since 2002. The conference was supported by the NSW Department of Education. The number of delegates that attended the conference exceeded 1400.

The conference was built on the rationale that special education occurs in everyone's classroom and in every school. The Disability Standards for Education 2005 provides the legislative framework for the education of students with disabilities. A review of the implementation of the standards in 2010 and subsequent review of the education of students with disabilities indicated the further and ongoing training in supporting students with disabilities and implementing a culture of inclusive practices was required.

Should you have any further questions, please email registration@gemsevents.com.au and we will pass them onto the SEPLA Committee for a response.