Catholic Education Tasmania leads the way in literacy and teaching training

Hundreds of teachers in Catholic schools across Tasmania are benefiting from training in evidence-based teaching practices as part of the Insight into Learning initiative.

Insight into Learning, based on the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading, underpins the way Catholic Education Tasmania now teaches students across 36 schools.

As a leader in literacy education, Catholic Education Tasmania’s progress was recognised in the Independent Review of Education in Tasmania, released in December 2024.

A key factor in this success has been the investment in teacher training and professional learning opportunities for Catholic educators.

“The commitment of our teachers and schools to ongoing learning shows how education can be transformed when the right support is in place,” said Jennifer White, Catholic Education Tasmania’s System Lead in Curriculum and Pedagogy.

“We are shifting from an ‘expert-led’ coaching model to a ‘teacher-led’ approach, building the capacity of our teachers as we move towards business as usual.”

So far, over 300 teachers across primary and secondary schools have been trained as Instructional Leaders in Teacher Practice to act as in-school coaches.

By the end of 2025, an additional 260 teachers will receive one-on-one, in-school coaching and support to become Instructional Leaders.

“We understand that great literacy outcomes start with well-supported teachers,” said Jennifer.

“This program is about delivering long-term success. We need to ensure students develop the skills they need while also equipping our teachers with the support, resources, and training to deliver high-quality literacy education.”

Resources have been developed in consultation with education experts, and a digital learning platform now provides teachers with access to high-quality literacy teaching materials.

Catholic Education Tasmania’s literacy journey began in earnest in 2022 with the rollout of Literate Learners for Life.

Based on the Science of Reading, this program was designed to build strong literacy foundations, helping students become successful readers and writers.

Insight into Learning expanded on this work by incorporating the Science of Learning across the curriculum.

“When we announced the Insight into Learning initiative in late 2022, schools were invited to opt in, recognising that each school had different levels of capacity to join at that time,” said Jennifer.

“We were thrilled when 25 of our 38 schools signed up to commence the program when it launched in 2023.”

With 36 schools now engaged in the program, Catholic Education Tasmania is well on its way to achieving its goal of becoming the most improved education system in Australia.

The 2025 National Teaching Matters: Science of Learning Summit will be held September 14-16 2025 at Wrest Point in Hobart.

The Summit will host a range of educational experts including international speakers Tom Bennett and Tom Sherrington appearing live in Hobart.

To access the list of event speakers and register your interest visit the Teaching Matters website at teachingmatters.au