Start Strong Graduate Teacher program

The Start Strong program gives you the opportunity to collaborate with expert teachers to better understand your learners needs, design engaging curriculum, and establish a positive learning culture by setting clear behaviour and learning expectations.

The 2-day in-person program held at Orbis on 12-13 January 2026 will give you what you need to confidently step into your classroom for the first time.

Employees of the South Australian Department for Education are welcome to join us for an optional third day on 14 January 2026.

Format:

In-person

Who can attend?

· New graduates who have completed their initial teacher education on or before 31 January 2026.

· Individuals ready to teach for the first time in Term 1 or 2 of 2026.

· Newly registered teachers, including those who have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a Special Authority to Teach.

· New Department for Education employees with a current employment contract as a teacher in 2026.

Please note that preference will be given to employees of the Department for Education. If you are employed by another sector, please reach out to them for professional learning and support.

The program will help you to:

· develop an inclusive learning culture that promotes equity and excellence

· access the key department information and resources to support a comprehensive induction

· build positive wellbeing habits to enhance your professional resilience

· adapt learning to meet diverse learning needs.

Applied learning is key to improving your practice. During each day you’ll apply the learning to your future classroom context, documenting the steps you will take to be successful in your first few weeks.

If you’re a department employee in 2026, we invite you to join us for an optional third day (14 January 2026). This session will give you the opportunity to draft a plan for one subject.

For those in regional areas who hold a contract with the department at the time of the program, we’ll cover the cost of travel and accommodation. Please reach out for further information.

Cost:

Free