Learn, collaborate, and share: Trinity’s 2026 Professional Growth Initiatives  

As students settle into the rhythm of Trinity life for 2026, staff too are looking to further their learning, improve their teaching practice, and share their knowledge with their colleagues. 

Trinity’s commitment to a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning is directly responsible for the myriad options for staff to grow professionally. As we look to a year full of such opportunities, Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn (Head of Research and Professional Growth) is sharing a taster of what’s available for staff. 

Professional Learning Teams 

A vital structure to support teachers’ professional growth, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) continue in 2026 with fresh opportunities as well as established favourites at each of our campuses. 

In particular, at the Senior and Middle School, the Quality Teaching Rounds PLT will continue, engaging early career teachers in a program designed to improve teaching quality and student achievement as well as teacher morale, confidence, and job satisfaction and retention. Participants in this PLT are also participants in a research project with the University of Newcastle. 

A new PLT is being introduced in Semester 1, facilitated by Trinity’s Dean of Professional Pathways, Natalie Bluhdorn: Mentoring and Instructional Coaching. This PLT allows participants to investigate the factors that contribute to effective professional mentoring and coaching, with particular consideration of the Trinity context. Through collaborative inquiry, the PLT will create a Guide to Mentoring and Coaching at Trinity, which will then be shared with Trinity colleagues to inform effective practice. 

Deputy Headmasters Deborah Williams and Craig Sandwell will also facilitate a new PLT – Intersections: Pedagogy, Space, and Student Engagement – designed as a collaborative preparation for teachers of Faculties due to occupy the new Teaching and Learning building in 2027. 

These three highlighted PLTs align with The Hurlstone Centre Professional Growth Priorities for 2026–2027 which include:

• Innovative Learning Environments 
• Career Framework
• Mentoring and Coaching 
• Internship Program 
• Women Leading in Boys’ Schools

Trinity’s Professional Growth Framework 

As Trinity’s Professional Growth Framework launches in 2026, informed by research and the Trinity context, Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn says that its purpose is to advance four phases: establishing, contributing, extending and transforming – in developing one’s identity as a teacher. 

“These phases seek to capture ongoing, contextualised development rather than a linear or hierarchical progression,” Dr Pressick-Kilborn says. “Key initiatives, practices and opportunities at Trinity have been aligned with the Framework, moving towards a coherent approach to supporting teacher development over the career span.” 

One-year Leadership Program 

From mid-2026, Trinity will be piloting a one-year Leadership Program. Running from July to July, it is a bespoke program designed specifically for the Trinity context. 

“This is an exciting new initiative to provide colleagues in leadership roles, as well as those who aspire to formal leadership, to step into growing their understanding and practices,” says Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn. “We look forward to calling for Expressions of Interest from Trinity staff at the beginning of Term 2.”

Teacher Education Intern Program 

Trinity’s Teacher Education Intern Program continues to grow and expand, with nine interns – two at the Junior School, two at the Preparatory School and five in our Middle/Secondary School – joining the program for 2026. 

In January, a one-day summer conference was introduced to enhance the experience, with another one-day conference planned for July. These conferences provide a point of purposeful connection for Trinity’s Teacher Education Interns across campuses. The programs include opportunities to engage with education research as well as to explore practical strategies together, with an emphasis on both personal and collective reflection. 

Research at The Hurlstone Centre 

The recent establishment of The Hurlstone Centre for Research and Professional Growth at Trinity allows teachers to grow professionally through involvement in various research projects and other initiatives as Associates. 

In particular, the 2026 Trinity Twilight Research Meets will provide opportunities to grow the education research community at Trinity, spotlighting teacher research projects and allowing for the sharing of progress, process, and findings. 

Continuation of 2025 initiatives 

While there are many new Professional Growth initiatives at Trinity in 2026, existing initiatives introduced in or prior to 2025 are also continuing, including the Parent Connect Network, the Women in Boys’ Schools program for all Trinity staff, along with support for further study and teacher accreditation through NESA and ISTAA.