Boosting confidence and capability: major conference supports early career teachers in Northern Ireland

John Unsworth, EA Assistant Director; John Trueman, Director of Qualifications, CCEA; Angela Kane, Department of Education; and Sean Fearon, Education and Training Inspectorate; came together to host over 150 Early Career Teachers at Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre.

More than 150 Early Career Teachers (ECTs) from across Northern Ireland gathered at Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre for a major professional development event jointly hosted by the Education Authority (EA) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

The conference, titled “Empowering Early Career Teachers (ECTs) through the Northern Ireland Curriculum: Coherence, Capability and Confidence”, placed a strong focus on building confidence, strengthening capability and enhancing curriculum understanding during the early stages of a teacher’s career.

Minister highlights importance of supporting new teachers

Minister of Education Paul Givan emphasised the vital role ECTs play in the strength of Northern Ireland’s education system, noting the significant impact high-quality teaching has on pupil outcomes.

He 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.”

Delegates heard contributions from the Department of Education’s Angela Kane, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), and experienced practitioners leading a range of high-quality workshops.

Focus on curriculum, assessment and pupil needs

Sessions throughout the day explored central elements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, including digital learning strategies, innovative assessment design, and effective support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Interactive workshops also allowed teachers to deepen their approach to teaching sensitive and contemporary issues in a curriculum-aligned way.

Participants were also given opportunities to engage with key components of TransformED NI, the Department of Education’s strategy aimed at reshaping professional learning and driving long-term improvement.

‘A crucial investment in Early Career Teachers’

John Unsworth, EA Assistant Director for School Development, said the event represented a significant investment in the future of the teaching profession.

He 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 event supported the rollout of the Expanded Teacher Induction Programme for 2025–26, which will offer regional training, webinars, self-led learning opportunities, and dedicated sessions on literacy, numeracy, SEN awareness and the science of learning.

‘A major milestone’ for professional development

Reflecting on the first EA/CCEA ECT Conference, John Trueman, Director of Qualifications at CCEA, said it marked a significant step forward in strengthening early professional development.

He said:

“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.”

The conference, held on Tuesday 25 November 2025, forms part of the wider TransformED NI Strategy, designed to reshape professional learning and enhance long-term support for teachers across the region.