Evidence for educators: professional development program for teachers

The Evidence for educators program by the ANU National Security College (NSC) aims to enhance teacher knowledge by providing secondary school teachers with up-to-date and accurate information on strategic issues of importance to young Australians.

This program is a TQI Accredited Professional Learning Program (TQI Number 007800). To claim attendance the time as Accredited PL, ACT participants must attend the session in person.

Topics include critical issues in national security, regional dynamics, cyber security, online extremism and more. It will equip teachers with the tools to foster critical thinking and informed discussions among students, and help teachers meet their annual Professional Learning (PL) requirements through accessible in-person or online content.

The sessions will cover current and critical strategic issues, aligning with Senior secondary curriculums Humanities and Social Sciences units. Topics such as cyber security, climate change, and misinformation are forward-looking, preparing teachers for the difficult conversations with students about future challenges.

Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding of national security issues among educators and, by extension, students. This program, delivered by nationally and internationally recognised experts, offers an accessible and engaging way for teachers to fulfil their PL requirements.

These sessions are free of charge with in-person sessions in the ACT and an online option available for those interested to join virtually.

The package will be comprised of six sessions

5 March 2025 – Climate change: the science (Professor Mark Howden)

Delve into the scientific principles behind climate change, its observable impacts, and the critical need for action. This session equips teachers with the knowledge to educate students on environmental issues and inspire proactive solutions. 

Learning outcomes

• Understand the fundamental scientific principles behind climate change and its observable impacts. 
• Equip teachers with the knowledge to educate students on environmental issues and the critical need for action. 
• Inspire proactive solutions and environmental stewardship among students. 

11 March 2025 – Energy transitions and alternative energy options (Associate Professor Fiona Beck)

Understand the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and bioenergy. Teachers will gain insights to discuss sustainable energy solutions and their importance in combating climate change with their students.  

Learning outcomes

• Comprehend the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and bioenergy. 
• Gain insights into sustainable energy solutions and their importance in combating climate change.
• Enable teachers to discuss the benefits and challenges of alternative energy options with their students. 

1 May 2025 – The digital teen: online extremism (Dr Levi West)

Explore the rise of online extremism among teenagers, its causes, and preventive strategies. This session helps teachers recognize warning signs and foster a safe, inclusive online environment for students.   

Learning outcomes  

• Explore the rise of online extremism among teenagers and its underlying causes. 
• Recognize warning signs of online extremism and understand preventive strategies. 
• Foster a safe and inclusive online environment for students. 

13 May 2025 – AI: the hijacking of trust  (Associate Professor Amy Dawel)

Discuss how artificial intelligence can undermine trust through misinformation and bias. Teachers will learn about ethical AI practices and how to guide students in critically evaluating AI-driven content. 

Learning outcomes

• Discuss how artificial intelligence can undermine trust through misinformation and bias. 
• Learn about ethical AI practices and their importance in maintaining trust. 
• Guide students in critically evaluating AI-driven content and understanding its implications. 

29 May 2025 – How Cabinet (really) works (Jane Gillis)  

Gain insights into the inner workings of government cabinets, decision-making processes, and policy development. Teachers will be better equipped to explain the complexities of governance and political systems to their students.

Learning outcomes

• Gain insights into the inner workings of government cabinets and decision-making processes. 
• Understand the complexities of governance and political systems. 
• Equip teachers to explain the policy development process to their students. 

6 August 2025 – Critical minerals (Professor John Mavrogenes)  

Learn about the essential minerals required for modern technology, their extraction, and geopolitical significance. This session provides teachers with the context to explain the importance of critical minerals in everyday life and global politics.

Learning outcomes  

• Learn about the essential minerals required for modern technology and their extraction processes. 
• Understand the geopolitical significance of critical minerals. 
• Provide context to explain the importance of critical minerals in everyday life and global politics.