RMIT's Teaching Forward Conference prepares the next generation of educators for longevity in their profession

RMIT's Teaching Forward Conference prepares the next generation of educators for longevity in their profession

With teacher shortages a national priority, RMIT's School of Education and Media & Communication connected 300+ pre-service teachers with the networks and practical tools they need to thrive in the profession.

A large group of people pose on and in front of a stage at the conference.

Designed for pre-service teachers, recent graduates and industry professionals, sessions ranged from navigating AI and digital landscapes to innovation and leadership in teaching, principal leadership, belonging in school cultures and career wellbeing. 

It was designed to equip the future generation of teachers with tools to lead inclusive, ethical and sustainable classrooms, and to connect them with the Independent Education Union (IEU) and the Australian Education Union (AEU) who support their industrial and professional rights, even as pre-service teachers.  

A busy seminar showing a screen.Attendees joined for the day in Storey Hall for sessions relating to wellbeing and resources for their careers

Kendall Searle and Michael Soegianto were two attendees who left with a more hopeful outlook for their future career in education.  

Busy with final year placements, Michael said he left the conference feeling better supported to enter and navigate his profession.  

“Being invited into university, union and professional networks was extremely beneficial. It was incredibly insightful to hear current school principals on the state of the profession, things they look out for in new teachers, as well as tips for success,” Michael said.

Michael stands with a background of alps Michael Soegianto is in the final year of his Master of Teaching Practice (Secondary Education)

Kendall feels supported by RMIT in the decision to join the education unions while still studying her Master of Teaching Practice.  

“After Teaching Forward, I see my professional journey less as a straight line to ‘competent teacher’ and more as an evolving garden of growth, relationships and responsibilities. I’m more aware that I’ll keep learning, replanting and pruning over time,” said Kendall.  

Associate Professor Kathy Smith, Associate Dean of Partnerships, RMIT School of Education, said valuable opportunities such as these make all the difference to pre-service teachers and graduates as they develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to become committed and effective educators.  

“We see it as especially important to help with the transition into the profession and to explore practical ways to support health and wellbeing in those crucial first years of teaching. This conference was a valuable opportunity to do exactly that and a wonderful chance to collaborate across schools in the College of Design and Social Context”   

This reflects a considered institutional position from within RMIT, which works to support the teaching profession through pragmatic approaches to real industry issues within the workforce and voicing teacher-led perspectives.  

The School of Media and Communication are long term collaborators with Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM). Professor Sean Redmond, Associate Dean of Media, Writing and Publishing, RMIT School of Media and Communication led discussions surrounding AI; exploring its ethical uses in the classroom and areas where it may encourage students to think creatively, “to show new teachers what the classroom can be imaginatively and what their future careers may hold. It was a fun and stimulating conference where agency and authenticity were a recurring theme,” said Professor Redmond.  

“The focus on ethical use, transparency, and respect for students’ learning helps me see AI as something that can amplify empathy rather than replace relationships. That framing supports my growth into a teacher who can experiment with new tools while keeping human dignity and learning at the centre,” reflected Kendall.  

Confidence in long-term careers

Teacher retention is acknowledged as a national priority by Australian Government’s Department of Education.  

Supporting wellbeing is a critical strategy. “Understanding my industrial rights has strengthened my sense of readiness as a new teacher,” said Michael. 

21 May 2026

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21 May 2026

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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