Thursday 30 April 2026
The 2026 Trainee Symposium invites emerging Christian teachers to gather around a core conviction: excellent teaching is grounded in love. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1, even the most gifted among us is nothing without love. This day is designed to help trainees explore how Christian teaching flows from being known, loved, and called by God.
Through worship, keynote input, collaborative activities, and stories from fellow trainees and mentors, participants will reflect on how a Christ‑shaped identity forms teachers who teach with wisdom, humility, and hope.
Trainees will consider how love takes shape in everyday classroom practice: patient presence, genuine hospitality, wise boundaries, and joy-filled learning. With practical workshops and creative challenges throughout the day, participants will be equipped to step into their vocation with confidence, compassion, and a deep commitment to seeing every learner as an image‑bearer loved by God.
Trainee Symposium
Trainee Symposium Program
8:45 AM – Registration
9:15 AM – Welcome & Worship
Hosts: Felicity Marlow and Andrew Beitsch
Opening prayer and reflection on The Way of Love: Felicity Marlow
Worship led by Trainee team
9:45 AM – Keynote One
Known, Loved And Called: Forming An Identity Shaped By The Way Of Love.
Speaker: Dave Benson
10:45 AM – Morning Tea
11:15 AM – Keynote Two
How Can We Love The Next Generation?
Speaker: Sam Burrows
12:00 PM – Panel Discussion
Trainees, Mentors and Graduates facilitated by Carlie Boyle
12:30 PM – Mystery Box Challenge
1:00 PM – Lunch
1:45 PM – Elective Workshops (three rotations, 40 mins each)
3:45 PM – Prayer & Closing Reflections
In this keynote, trainees are invited to explore how the better story of a biblical worldview radically reframes identity issues in our (post)modern world. Every day teachers are confronted by multiple identity issues threatening to leave us as anxious stutterers, making up our own tale to get our bearings. Yet the good news is that who we really are is grounded in the deep, sustaining truth that we made from and for love. We are first known and loved by Father-Son-Spirit before we ever act, achieve, or perform. Drawing on the symposium theme, The Way of Love, this session will help emerging teachers reflect on how a secure, grace‑anchored identity shapes the way they learn, teach, relate, and serve. With pastoral clarity and practical insight, the keynote will uncover how locating ourselves within the mission of our triune God empowers us to love students wholeheartedly, show compassion in complexity, and cultivate classrooms where every learner is seen as an image‑bearer, cherished and called into God’s good purposes.
Dr Dave Benson – Executive Director, Associated Christian Schools (QLD)
Dave is the Executive Director of Associated Christian Schools (ACS), where he leads network-wide culture, formation, and strategic initiatives that support 40 Queensland schools. A former high school teacher and theological lecturer, Dave holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology on the place of sacred texts in Australia’s secular educational curriculum. He serves as the Culture and Discipleship Associate with the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, where he was a director from 2020–2025. Dave is passionate about equipping Christians to live out their vocation with wisdom and love in today’s complex world, focusing on cultural engagement, whole-life discipleship, and forming communities that meaningfully integrate faith and practice for the flourishing of all.
Understanding the cultural context of our young people is an act of love towards them, helping us shape our language and practice. What is happening for our young people right now, and what does it mean for us in our classrooms? This session will explore the cultural world we live in, how it's changing, and some thinking around how we might engage thoughtfully.
Sam Burrows – Manager of Biblical Foundations for Christian Education,
Christian Education National
Sam Burrows serves as Manager of Biblical Foundations for Christian Education at Christian Education National, working alongside educators across Australia to strengthen the theological and pedagogical life of schools. His work focuses on how Christ shapes not only what we teach, but how we understand knowledge, formation, and the world itself. Sam previously lectured in theology and education at Laidlaw College in New Zealand. He has served as a deputy principal in a Christian school and has also been on staff at St Augustine’s Church in Auckland. In 2022, he completed a master’s thesis examining contemporary spiritual trends in New Zealand and the wider West.
Leading through Loving and Listening:
Christ‑Centred and Evidence‑Informed Coaching and Mentoring.
Facilitator: Chris Rayner
This workshop explores how love, attentive listening, and relational wisdom shape effective mentoring and leadership. Participants will examine practical, evidence‑informed coaching strategies that strengthen trust, encourage professional growth, and reflect Christ’s love in everyday interactions. Ideal for trainees and mentors seeking to cultivate life‑giving, formational relationships in their teaching communities.
Chris Rayner serves with Christian Education National (CEN) and the National Institute for Christian Education (NICE), supporting schools and educators in Christ‑centred formation and professional learning. He is passionate about evidence‑informed, relational coaching that cultivates growth, deep listening, and loving leadership across teaching communities.
Loving Our Students on Purpose:
Building a Culture of Joy, Responsibility and Connection.
Facilitator: Karen Hooper
Grounded in relational and formational practice, this workshop explores how intentional love helps create classrooms marked by joy, responsibility, and trust. Karen will guide participants through practical, research‑informed strategies for understanding student stories, noticing deeply, and fostering learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported to thrive.
Karen Hooper is the Director of the CITE Alliance and is dedicated to helping teachers cultivate joy‑filled, connected, and purposeful learning communities. Drawing on Christian formation, neurodevelopment, and relational practices, she equips educators to build cultures of responsibility, belonging, and love that enable every student to thrive.
Love in the Hard Places:
An Introduction to Trauma‑Informed Practice
Facilitator: Darlene Erieau
This workshop introduces key principles of trauma‑informed practice through a Christian lens, helping educators understand how past experiences shape current learning and behaviour. Darlene will offer practical strategies for creating safe, predictable, and relationally rich environments that reflect Christ’s compassion and support healing, connection, and growth for students in hard places.
Darlene Erieau is part of the SPCC Teaching School team and brings rich expertise in trauma‑informed practice. She is committed to helping teachers understand the stories and needs of students in hard places, offering practical, hope‑filled strategies that reflect Christ’s compassion and build safety, trust, and restoration.
Speaking the Truth in Love: How to Have Hard Conversations with Parents.
Facilitator: Melissa Brown
Navigating difficult conversations with parents can be challenging for new teachers. This workshop provides practical tools for communicating with honesty, grace, and confidence. Melissa explores approaches grounded in empathy, clarity, and partnership, helping teachers strengthen trust, diffuse tension, and support student flourishing through Christ‑centred, relationship‑building dialogue.
Melissa Brown is an experienced Christian educator and school leader who equips teachers to navigate hard conversations with wisdom, empathy, and courage. Her work focuses on partnering with parents through truth‑telling grounded in love, ensuring communication strengthens relationships and supports the flourishing of students and families.
Loving Students in an Age of Digital Distractions.
Facilitator: Felicity Marlow
Today’s students face constant digital noise that shapes their attention, identity, and relationships. This workshop explores how teachers can respond with love, wisdom, and intentional formation. Felicity will unpack practical strategies for cultivating presence, attentiveness, and healthy digital habits that help students navigate technology with discernment and Christ‑centred purpose.
Felicity Marlow is the Principal of Norwest Christian College and a passionate Christian educator who helps teachers navigate the challenges of forming students in a digitally distracted age. She brings insight into discipleship, attention, and pastoral care, equipping educators to cultivate habits of love, presence, and discernment in today’s learning environments.
Love never gives up:
Strategies for sustainable routines and beginning teacher wellbeing
Facilitator: Emily Shea (NT Christian Schools)
This workshop equips beginning teachers with practical, sustainable routines that support wellbeing in the early years of teaching. Drawing on a biblical vision of steadfast love and faithful presence, Emily explores how intentional rhythms, healthy boundaries, and supportive habits can protect against burnout and nurture long‑term flourishing. Participants will gain evidence‑informed strategies for managing workload, establishing life‑giving classroom routines, and cultivating practices that sustain both professional growth and personal wellbeing.
Emily Shea is the Teacher Training Hub Director with Northern Territory Christian Schools. She is completing a PhD with Alphacrucis University College exploring the induction practices of Christian schools in Australia, considering how they support and shape Christian teacher development. Emily lectures in both the National Institute for Christian Education and the Alphacrusis University College programs.