What are Professional Associations?
“Professional associations provide networking, leadership and professional learning opportunities for educators. In addition to regular meetings, they may organise workshops, conference, and affiliations with peak bodies. Some associations publish journals or provide online collaborative environments. Specialist associations are an important locus of expertise, professional dialogue and innovation for the teaching profession” (ACT Department of Education and Training, 2008)
What does this mean for a pre-service teacher?
Becoming a member of an association not only provides a springboard for your Professional Learning Network but also assists in addressing Standard 6.2 “Engage in professional learning and improve practice” from the National Professional Standards for Teachers (ie Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.)
Professional Associations by their very nature provide a focussed approach to their educational context and are often the primary source of contemporary thinking about the subject or educational domain. By association, you will be receiving the latest information with regard to your chosen learning contexts as well as being inspired by like-minded education professionals. You will also be provided with opportunities to attend conferences and professional development and have access to excellent resources. This is especially important if you are the only teacher in your school for this particular subject or speciality area.
Professional Associations by their very nature provide a focussed approach to their educational context and are often the primary source of contemporary thinking about the subject or educational domain. By association, you will be receiving the latest information with regard to your chosen learning contexts as well as being inspired by like-minded education professionals. You will also be provided with opportunities to attend conferences and professional development and have access to excellent resources. This is especially important if you are the only teacher in your school for this particular subject or speciality area.
The Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA)
The Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA) is the major professional association for teacher educators in Australia. The mission of the Australian Teacher Education Association is to promote:
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Aussie Educator
The Education Associations page of this website provides a comprehensive list of the professional associations for education available for Australian schools. The Australian College of Educators
The Australian College of Educators (ACE) is the only national professional association which represents educators across all sectors and systems. |
The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers
The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers is the nation’s premier organisation of mathematics educators. It aims to: support and enhance the work of teachers;
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The Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA)
The Mathematical Association of Western Australia, known as MAWA was established by a group of dedicated mathematics educators who wanted to promote mathematics education in Western Australia. Since its inception MAWA has grown to include Pre-service , Primary, Secondary and Tertiary teachers, students and parents. |
The Australian Science Teachers Association
The Australian Science Teachers Association, a federation of eight state and territory Science Teacher Associations (STAs), strives to be a national representative body of high distinction, considered among Australia's premier professional teacher associations. |
Science Teachers Association of Western Australia [STAWA]
The Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia, known as STAWA was established in 1946. STAWA is an independent association of Science Educators dedicated to promoting science and science teaching in Western Australia. |
The Australian Literacy Educator’s Association
The Australian Literacy Educators’ Association is an independent professional association dedicated to literacy development and English language learning at all levels of education. It supports teachers in their current practice; provides leadership for literacy educators; and influences future development in literacy by building effective literacy communities. Primary English Teaching Association [PETAA]
The Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) is a national, not-for-profit professional association supporting primary school educators in the teaching and learning of English and literacies across the curriculum. |
Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA WA)
The Australian Literacy Educators’ Association in an independent professional association dedicated to literacy development and English language learning at all levels of education. It supports teachers in their current practice; provides leadership for literacy educators; and influences future development in literacy by building effective literacy communities. English Teachers Association of WA (ETAWA)
The English Teachers Association Western Australia is a professional association for teachers of English and related subjects in schools and tertiary institutions. Its emphasis is on secondary schools. Membership of The English Teachers Association of WA is open to any person or organisation, however secondary English teachers are strongly encouraged to join to strengthen the advocacy role of the association. |
The Geographical Association of Western Australia [GAWA]
GAWAs main objective is to encourage, in various ways, the advancement, education, promotion and practice of the science of geography in Western Australia. It does this by providing an organisation and forum for students, teachers and practitioners of geography to share knowledge, ideas, opinions and activities about the science of geography and geographical location. |
History Teachers' Association of Western Australia [HTAWA]
The History Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (HTAWA) is a non-profit organisation, that provides resources for History teachers and students alike. |
Drama West
Drama West supports drama teaching and learning at all levels and in all sectors, through workshops, seminars and publications. |
Educational Computing Association of WA (ECAWA)
ECAWA, the Educational Computing Association of Western Australia (Inc), as an association of volunteers, is committed to furthering the advancement of education by promoting the use of Information and Communication Technologies as powerful aids to learning. |
Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and recreation (ACHPER WA)
The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Inc. (ACHPER) is the peak professional, association representing professionals working in the fields of Health, Physical Education, Sport, Movement Sciences, Dance and Community Fitness. |
The Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of WA (GATCA WA)
GATCA aims to afford parents and educators access to the latest research and helpful information pertaining to gifted children’s education as well as their social and emotional well being. |