The Network of Associate Deans of Learning and Teaching in Education (NADLATE) was established in 2011 to provide a collaborative forum for academic leaders responsible for learning and teaching within the discipline of education. The Network brings together those engaged in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to identify shared challenges, exchange expertise, and collectively advance quality, innovation, and evidence-informed practice across the sector.
Through the ACDE Network Funding Scheme, NADLATE has hosted a successful series of webinars – EduFuture Talks – where subject experts are invited to share their insights on current and emerging issues in Initial Teacher Education (ITE). The webinars are well attended by NADLATE members and colleagues across Australia, generating lively discussion, collaboration, and community building.
NADLATE convenes regular meetings of its Steering Group to guide network priorities, share institutional updates and plan future activities aligned with national directions in teacher education. These meetings provide an important forum for members to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations in learning and teaching, and collectively respond to sector developments.
Each year, NADLATE hosts a face-to-face event in conjunction with the ACDE Annual Conference, offering members the opportunity to deepen connections, discuss current projects, and identify strategic opportunities for collaboration. This in-person gathering strengthens professional relationships and ensures NADLATE continues to provide leadership in advancing learning, assessment and teaching excellence across ITE programs.
Leading, Learning and Teaching in Education (June 2026)
In this webinar, a panel of experienced education leaders explores effective leadership of learning and teaching within Schools of Education, with a particular focus on the evolving role of Associate Deans of Teaching and Learning (ADTLs). Panellists Professor Simone White (RMIT), Associate Professor Ken Cliff (University of Wollongong), and Professor Donna King (Australian Catholic University) share their insightful perspectives on leading curriculum, quality and innovation, navigating the complexity of the role, and supporting current and aspiring ADTLs.
Performance Funding, Public Accountability and Politicisation of Performance Metrics in Initial Teacher Education Assessment – 24 February 2026
Professor Mary Ryan, joined by over 50 attendees, talks us through Teacher Education Expert Panel (TEEP) reforms, as well as stakeholder feedback and implications for policy and practice.
| Role | State | Name | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | WA | Assoc Prof Paula Mildenhall | Edith Cowan University |
| - | ACT | Dr Emily Hills | University of Canberra |
| - | NSW | Dr Ken Cliff | University of Wollongong |
| - | NSW | Cathy Little | University of Sydney |
| - | NT | Assoc Prof Sulay Jalloh | Charles Darwin University |
| - | QLD | Assoc Prof Renee Desmarchelier | University of Southern Queensland |
| - | QLD | Assoc Prof Carmen Mills | University of Queensland |
| - | SA | Deborah Green | Adelaide University |
| - | VIC | Assoc Prof Anitra Goriss-Hunter | Federation University Australia |
| - | VIC | Prof Melissa Barnes | LaTrobe University |
| - | TAS | Greg Oates | University of Tasmania |
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority – 11 November 2025
The Australian Curriculum, developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), sets out the framework of essential knowledge, understanding and skills all young Australians need so they are able to learn, contribute to, and shape their world both now and into the future. Hear from ACARA’s CEO Stephen Gniel on the latest developments relating to the Australian Curriculum, including work to monitor and evaluate its implementation, and action underway to help better support teachers as they translate the curriculum into the classroom.
Assessment Integrity in the Age of AI: Alternatives to Invigilated Exams
The Brain and Learning: Cognitive Science Research and Regulation in Australian ITE – 12 August 2025
Educational leaders in Australia will be closely familiar with the Federal Government’s 2023 Strong Beginnings reforms to Initial Teacher Education (ITE). The first reform, and most debated, recommends the implementation of core content related to the Brain and Learning and other cognate areas by the end of 2025. In this talk Associate Professor Penny Van Bergen maps some of the opportunities, risks, and implications of implementing Brain and Learning content. She focuses first on the content itself, challenging recent ITE narratives by discussing the value of cognitive science in education and acknowledging some natural limitations. She next outlines what is covered and missed within the core content and the implications for ITE practice. Penny concludes by considering the intersection of science and policy, including potential risks to the standing of ITE and our opportunities as leaders.
TEEP Update – Core Content in ITE – 29 April 2025
NADLATE members were joined by Emeritus Professor Bill Louden AM, interim Chair of the Initial Teacher Education Quality Assurance Oversight Board. Hear Bill’s insights on the importance of the core content, updates on the progress of the Board and its activities, and answers to some of our network’s questions.
All Things TEEP – 31 October 2024
NADLATE members were very fortunate to be joined by Professor Michele Simons, Dean of Western Sydney University’s School of Education and President of the Australian Council of Deans of Education. Michele presented our third and final EduFuture Talk of 2024, which centred around the Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel (the TEEP Report). The report was produced in a context of significant teacher shortages, and aimed to enhance the quality of graduate teachers, thus contributing toward an efficient workforce. Michele provided an overview of the TEEP Report and the work which has been undertaken to implement its recommendations so far. Michele left us with the important reminder that ‘the core content is not the curriculum, but rather should be imbedded in the curriculum’.
Generative AI in Education – 19 August 2024
Professor Matt Bower (Macquarie University, School of Education) shares his expertise on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications and opportunities for education. In this session, Matt explores various kinds of AI that students are using, how they’re using it, and provides some much-needed answers on how this rapidly developing technology actually works. Matt suggests that a shift away from ‘fear of cheating’ or ‘banning of AI’ can facilitate learning environments in which students are equipped to work alongside AI to create positive change.
Unpacking LANTITE: Challenges, Biases and Myths – 24 June 2024
In the inaugural session of NADLATE’s EduFuture Talk Series, hear Professor Shane Dawson (UniSA’s Executive Dean, Education Futures) talk about all things LANTITE. Shane shares with us his critiques of LANTITE – from its basis in the unfounded belief that pre-service teachers lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, to the disproportionate burden it places on students from rural and low socio-economic status backgrounds. Shane suggests a shift which would take LANTITE from an unnecessarily stressful and expensive graduation requisite, to a probationary requirement undertaken during provisional registration which is consistent with the conditions of other professions.
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