Boosting confidence and capability: EA and CCEA host Major Early Career Teachers Conference

The event titled ‘Empowering Early Career Teachers (ECTs) through the Northern Ireland Curriculum: Coherence, Capability and Confidence’, has brought together over 150 teachers from across Northern Ireland to share best practice, build networks, and explore strategies for professional development. 

NI Minister of Education, Paul Givan, said: 

"This conference gives Early Career Teachers a vital opportunity to focus on the Northern Ireland Curriculum and access high-quality resources for the classroom. 

“Early career teachers are the cornerstone of a strong and resilient education system. Research consistently shows that the quality of teaching is the most significant factor in improving pupil outcomes, which is why I am committed to supporting teachers at every stage of their careers. 

“Through my TransformED Strategy, I am investing in teaching and learning, including the expansion of this Teacher Induction programme. Our education system is under significant pressure and TransformED is our response. It acknowledges the challenges openly and sets out a clear, ambitious plan to review, evaluate and improve the key elements of our education system.” 

Highlights of the event including an address by the Department of Education’s Angela Kane, insightful contributions from the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), and a series of high-quality teaching and learning workshops led by experienced practitioners. Delegates also benefited from specialist sessions on digital learning; innovative assessment design; supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN); and approaches to teaching contemporary issues. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore key elements of TransformED NI. 

 EA Assistant Director for School Development, John Unsworth, said: 

“This conference represents a crucial investment in our Early Career Teachers, giving them the confidence, capability, and clarity they need as they begin shaping the future of education in Northern Ireland. 

“Through the strong partnership between EA and CCEA, we are ensuring consistent, coherent support that empowers ECTs to understand the aims of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and to grow in their professional practice.”

The conference was also used as an opportunity to support the rollout of the Expanded Teacher Induction Programme 2025–26, which includes regional training, webinars, self-led learning and dedicated sessions on literacy, numeracy, SEN awareness and the science of learning. 

  John Trueman, Director of Qualifications, CCEA, added: 

“The first EA/CCEA ECT Conference marks a major milestone in supporting Early Career Teachers across Northern Ireland. It provided a valuable opportunity to explore the aims and objectives of the Northern Ireland Curriculum within the context of TransformED NI. 

“ECTs engaged with high‑quality teaching approaches, strengthened their understanding of effective assessment, and considered how these align with pupil progression. The event also equipped teachers to address contemporary and sensitive issues confidently, through a preventative, age‑appropriate, curriculum‑aligned lens. 

“Crucially, the conference reinforced how the Northern Ireland Curriculum underpins professional growth during induction and Early Professional Development, embedding reflective practice, curriculum planning, and capability development in line with GTCNI teacher competences.”