TEACHER LEARNING: Trish Heeley participating on one of the early childhood conference seminars on Saturday. 131012GOB04
ABOUT 50 early childhood educators convened at a special conference dedicated to the betterment of teachers in rural and regional areas in Tamworth on Saturday.
Innovative educator Robyn Crowe - also creator of the early childhood movement and music program Creative Capers – featured as a special guest.
The qualified teacher brought her many years of experience in teaching physical education, arts and craft, gymnastics, dance and movement to North West region teachers.
Conference organiser Kevin Attard said this year was the second year they had held the event and Ms Crowe was also featured last year.
Mr Attard said he co-organised the event with his wife Melinda and because Robyn was such an interactive and engaging speaker last year, they decided to invite her back again.
“She is an early childhood teacher from Melbourne who spoke about the importance of movement and learning with elastics,” Mr Attard said.
“Her program is all to do with movement and learning and how they go hand in hand.”
Mrs Attard is an early childhood teacher at Carinya Christian School and her working background and knowledge is what led to the implementation of the conference last year.
The fact there is not many opportunities for teachers in rural and regional areas as opposed to metropolitan areas, weighed heavily on her mind.
“Melinda saw a gap for further education for early childhood educators and the need to be kept up to date with innovative ways of dealing with young people,” Mr Attard said.
“She wanted to fill that gap and offer something locally, on a regional level.”
The conference also included early childhood education guest speakers Karren Amadio, Trish Healy and Annie Heckrath.
Attendees came from across the region including Inverell, Gunnedah, Armidale, Walcha and Tamworth.
