Science Teaching Leadership Program Induction Symposium 2024

On January 30th 2024 there was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation at the Royal Society in Wellington as school principals, teachers and participants of the Science Teacher Leadership Programme (STLP) embarked on an inspiring journey. The induction event was more than a gathering; it served as a kickstart to our program for the year emphasizing collaboration, learning and innovation.

Day 1; Embracing the Essence of Science The program kicked off with an overview that set the stage for what lay. It provided an opportunity to listen to accounts from previous teachers who had gone through the program sharing their stories of challenges, triumphs and personal growth. These narratives were not only motivational but also highlighted how the program had positively impacted their development.

One of the highlights of the day was engaging in hands on experiments related to the Essence of Science particularly focusing on UV light. These activities were not just educational. Also served as an interactive way to engage everyone present igniting curiosity and fostering a sense of community right from the start.

Day 2; Exploring Basic Mechanical Principles

Today we were led by Brigitte Glasson and Dayle Anderson, who guided us through activities about simple machines. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for science education made ideas easy to understand by creating learning experiences that enhanced our teaching.

Our educational journey continued with Dan Prain from the University of Otago who shared insights about a leadership course. His presentation gave us a glimpse of whats ahead on the leadership course at the University of Otago.

Day 3; Exploring History with the NZ Trade Unions Council

On our day we joined the NZ Trade Unions Council for a "Wall Walk" session – a lecture that delved deep into significant historical events and their impact on Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand. This experience was not informative but offered a meaningful opportunity to ponder on history, culture and the ongoing journey towards understanding and reconciliation.

Thoughts on the Orientation

The orientation was more than an introduction to the program; it marked the beginning of creating a motivated community of educators. It combined exploration, leadership perspectives and cultural introspection, in a rounded manner setting the stage for a year dedicated to learning and personal development. Meeting participants was truly special creating an opportunity to connect exchange stories and establish connections.

Looking ahead the memories and insights gained during our orientation will surely ignite our enthusiasm and determination, for advancing science education. We are embarking on this journey with a sense of purpose and excitement prepared to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that await us.

Here's to a year filled with exploration, creativity and leadership in science education. Together we are paving the way to make an impact one experiment, one class session and one student, at a time.