Major PD events aim to shake up school leadership

Major PD events aim to shake up school leadership

As AI shakes up education in school classrooms, leaders are increasingly on the lookout for quality professional development that will upskill them in this rapidly evolving area.

Recent research has highlighted the critical role of tailoring PD to meet teachers' specific needs and improve not only teachers’ skillsets but most importantly students’ learning outcomes.

A 2023 study by Monash University found that while 68% of Australian teachers have regular access to PD, just 35% find these opportunities effective in improving their teaching skills. This disparity highlights the necessity for PD programs that are closely aligned with educators' individual requirements to maximize their impact on classroom practice.

One organisation that has been providing leaders with this quality learning is Toddle, Australia's fastest-growing LMS and the world's leading AI-powered teaching & learning platform. The platform, currently used by more than 2,000 schools worldwide, is helping teachers reclaim valuable time so they can focus on what matters most – teaching.

Next year, the organisation will host a series of professional development events giving principals, deputy principals, and department heads a rare opportunity to learn from each other and explore emerging educational trends.

Toddle’s School Leaders Meetups 2025 – spanning three events across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne – will blend expert insights, collaborative sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues in Australian education today.

Last year, the Meetups attracted more than 500 school leaders and featured more than 40 prominent speakers from Australia and New Zealand, covering topics ranging from the future of learning to Artificial Intelligence and student wellbeing. For 2025, organisers aim to build on this success, ensuring attendees leave with practical insights and innovative strategies to implement in their schools.

Kicking off on February 28 at The Star Brisbane, the Queensland event will feature well-known education figures like Nic Dyson and Amy Green, alongside others, providing tailored sessions for school leaders in the state. On March 27, the event will move to Sydney’s iconic Opera House, featuring a lineup of speakers including Gavin McCormack and Daniela Falecki. The series wraps up in Melbourne on May 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, focusing on leaders in IB schools and featuring thought leaders like Tracey Ezard and Dr Sophie Fenton.

All attendees will receive CPD certification, making these events a valuable addition to their professional development.

To register for the School Leaders Meetups 2025, please click here.