Professional learning draws teachers to parliament

Two seminars were conducted jointly by Social Education Victoria with the support of parliament’s community engagement team.

Focusing on VCE sociology and politics teachers, the seminars included panel discussions with members of parliament and parliamentary staff, including Legislative Assembly MPs Meng Heang Tak, Jess Wilson and Michael O’Brien as well as Legislative Council MPs Rachel Payne, Aiv Puglielli and Lee Tarlamis.

There was also a session on media and politics with Victorian state correspondent for The Guardian Australia, Benita Kolovos.

In a separate event, more than 50 educators attended Teacher Open House, touring the main rooms of Parliament House, finding out about education resources and programs offered by parliament, and participating in some ‘In Conversation’ sessions on parliamentary processes and the work of parliamentary committees.

There was also an online opportunity for teachers to find out about co-design of civics programs, with 40 teachers exploring ways in which they can involve students in the design and delivery of learning activities.

A busy fortnight was capped off with a roundtable discussion at Parliament House involving representatives from a range of Victorian civic institutions exploring ways to collaborate in elevating the teaching of civics in schools.

All of the events provided a springboard to parliament’s engagement with teachers into 2024.

Visit our Teach and Learn webpage to find out more about our parliamentary education programs, resources and activities.