Building Teacher Capacity

Capacity building of teachers is one of the key aims of Gould League.

Gould League have been providing professional development and guidance of teachers since 1909. Gain professional development points in one or more of these 5 hour PD events that addresses 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 6.2 and 6.3 in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

The 2025 program is as follows: (registration form at bottom of page –> jump to form)

TERM 1

Monday March 31, Ricketts MARINE ELC and Kinder Teacher PD 9.30am to 3pm

The early years of a child’s life are vital for development. We are hosting a Professional Development Day for Early Years Educators to understand marine environments, plastic pollution, and waste management innovations. This will help you plan sustainability-focused educational activities that promote students’ growth.

Participants will experience the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary as a dynamic outdoor classroom, exploring intertidal rock pools and beaches to highlight their ecological and community significance. Workshops will assist in planning sustainability education. The event aims to inspire educators and strengthen students’ connections to the world. Join us for the Early Childhood Teacher Professional Development Day on Monday March 31st, at the Marine Education Centre, Beaumaris Surf Club, Beach Road, Ricketts Point.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

Tuesday April 1st, Ricketts MARINE Primary Teacher PD: 9.00am to 3.30pm

The ocean spans 361 million square kilometres, covering over 70% of Earth and providing crucial ecosystem services such as food supply, climate regulation, and habitat protection. This professional development program for primary teachers aims to offer hands-on discovery and fieldwork experiences for all educational levels, emphasising the area’s biodiversity, natural history and how we are all reliant on it’s health for our own health and well-being.

Join us for an immersive day by Port Phillip Bay. Participants will explore intertidal rockpools, coastal heath, and sandy shores while learning about local bird species, the invasive North Pacific Seastar, the cultural significance of the area to the Bunurong people, and how communities are working to preserve this unique place for future generations. Learn how you can participate in Marine Citizen Science programs and discover free teacher resources to support Ocean Literacy in the classroom.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

Wednesday April 2nd, Ricketts MARINE Secondary Teacher PD: 9.30 to 3.30pm

This professional development program for secondary teachers aims to offer hands-on fieldwork experience for all year levels, emphasising the area’s biodiversity, natural history, cultural and community significance and how we are all reliant on ocean health for our own health and wellbeing.

Join us for specialist sessions with our guest presenters to deepen understanding of the importance of ocean literacy, linking curriculum to the Sustainable Development goals and why understanding ocean health is essential for climate science learning. We will also run a skills session to enhance your skills in the field or classroom.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

TERM 2

Thursday May 1st, Toolangi FOREST Primary Teacher PD: 9.30am – 3pm

As educators, how can we address environmental topics in a way that minimises student disconnection or anxiety about these issues while motivating them to take action? Join Anne-Maree McInerney, General Manager of Gould League and a recognised global sustainability advisor, for a day-long exploration in the forest alongside experts in, biodiversity, drones and fire management. This professional development opportunity is designed to uplift and inspire teachers as they discover the long-term advantages of healthy mountain forests and their critical role in the future for our plants and animals as well as for humans.

This knowledge will be reinforced through an outdoor walk in previously burned forest areas and a hands-on skills session, allowing teachers to experience first-hand what their students would encounter during an excursion. The program celebrates the magnificent tall trees of the Toolangi State Forest and the river system that sustains us, providing Melbourne’s water supply. This innovative approach to real-world learning offers a peek into the future of education, fostering resilience, creating jobs, and making positive contributions to society and the environment.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

Friday May 2nd, Toolangi FOREST Secondary Teacher PD: 9.30am – 3.30pm

As educators, how can we address environmental topics in a way that minimises student disconnection or anxiety about these issues while motivating them to take action? Join Anne-Maree McInerney, General Manager of Gould League and a recognised global sustainability advisor, for a day-long exploration in the forest alongside experts in climate science, biodiversity, drones and water conservation. This professional development opportunity is designed to uplift and inspire teachers as they discover the economic, social, and long-term advantages of healthy mountain forests and their critical role in our future.

We will discuss the immense value of ecosystem services forests provide such as crop pollination, water purification, food security, and carbon sequestration, which collectively amount to trillions of dollars worldwide. Participants will gain insight into local wildlife adaptations, the historical significance of ecosystem services in the Yarra Ranges catchment area, and the effects of human activity. Our expert speakers in Climate Science and Water Services will ensure that teachers leave with crucial information that aligns with the school curriculum. This knowledge will be reinforced through an outdoor walk in previously burned forest areas and a hands-on skills session, allowing teachers to experience first-hand what their students would encounter during an excursion.

This day celebrates the magnificent tall trees of the Toolangi State Forest and the river system that sustains us, providing Melbourne’s water supply. This innovative approach to real-world learning offers a peek into the future of education, fostering resilience, creating jobs, and making positive contributions to society and the environment.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

Thursday May 8th, Cheltenham Sustainability Education Centre WASTE and BIODIVERSITY Primary Teacher PD: 9.30am – 2.30pm

Teaching primary-aged students about the Circular Economy is essential as it instills the significance of sustainability from a young age. By exploring how resources can be reused, recycled, and repurposed, children cultivate a sense of responsibility for the planet’s future. This knowledge not only promotes environmentally conscious habits but also enhances their critical thinking skills, allowing them to grasp the effects of waste and consumption on the environment. Early education on the Circular Economy nurtures a mindset that values sustainability, minimises waste, and encourages innovative solutions to everyday challenges—skills that will serve them well in their personal lives and the world at large.

In this program, we will focus on enhancing teachers’ understanding of the Circular Economy and its practical applications in the classroom, from Foundation to Grade 6. We will showcase our curriculum-based programs, provide tours of our facilities, and conclude the day with a collaborative workshop, empowering teachers to effectively teach about the Circular Economy.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

Friday May 9th, Cheltenham Sustainability Education Centre ELC and Kinder Teacher PD: 9.30am – 2.00pm

Introducing early learners to invertebrates is a great way to lay the foundation for understanding the basics of zero waste and the Circular Economy. Invertebrates, such as worms, insects, and other small creatures, play vital roles in ecosystems by decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, and supporting plant growth. Teaching young students about these creatures helps them grasp how nature’s processes are interconnected, much like the principles of a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimised. By observing invertebrates in action, early learners can begin to appreciate the balance and sustainability inherent in natural systems, fostering a deeper awareness of how human activities can work in harmony with the environment.

In this  program we will work towards removing phobias and stigmas around invertebrates so  we can focus more on the incredible roles they play in being natures recyclers and how they can play an important role in reducing human  waste and inspiring us with new ideas. Join us for a fun and action packed day – we look forward to seeing you there!

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM HERE.

All Gould League Teacher PD’s are FREE to attend with lunch and refreshments provided, however a $30 charge will apply to teachers who book and do not attend. Please advise dietary requirements when booking.

Let us provide hands on learning activities linked to the curriculum that MAKES LEARNING FUN, so your students are not so disconnected from the world in which they live – as the more they are connected to the natural world, the more they will fight to protect it!  They are the perfect PD for Science, Sustainability and Geography Teachers!

We also provide in house Teacher Professional Development

Education is unquestionably a unique and powerful lever for change in society – and a particularly important one as far as sustainable development is concerned. Yet, are we teaching the right things? The nature economy is expected generate up to $10.1 trillion in annual business value and create 395 million jobs by 2030. But who is teaching the jobs of tomorrow and how to critically think and problem solve? Let us give you a taste of the extraordinary innovation and answers nature provides to everyday challenges. It’s bound to surprise and delight you – and ultimately your students!

For further information contact:
gould@gould.org.au / 0419 193 134 / 0431 107 389

Gould League Teacher PD Events 2025 Registration Form

Event Registration Form (#9)
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