Inspiring start to the Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) 2026

TEP 2026 commencement conference snapshot

Participants: nearly 350 teachers from across Victoria

Sectors represented: government, Catholic and independent schools

Purpose: welcoming our 2026 participants to a year-long advanced professional learning program.

Event highlights:

• Keynote from Dr. Fiona Longmuir, Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership at Monash University  
• Keynote from Chris Varney, Founding Director and Chief Enabling Officer of I CAN Network
• TEP26 participant aspirations  

Over two electric days the 2026 TEP participants connected with passionate, like-minded colleagues all keen to deliver outstanding outcomes for students.

They join a community of over 1,500 TEP graduates already having a significant impact on the engagement, learning and wellbeing of students across Victoria. 

Keynote speakers

Dr. Fiona Longmuir encouraged participants to prioritise creating environments of belonging, connection and joy:

‘Teachers are critical to the kind of work we need to see in our schools. Your commitment here, your opportunity to reengage with your passion is a fundamental and crucial opportunity. My call to you is to make the most of this, to really engage with this opportunity and to give yourself permission to enjoy it and make connections, and understand the work you’re doing matters’  

Chris Varney reminded participants of the impact they have through the connections they make with their students:

‘Acceptance is a very powerful thing and when you can give it to your autistic, neurodivergent students you’ll be amazed by what structures and supports and needs they can transcend when they feel accepted.  There is a difference to being aware that someone has a diagnosis and being happy to see them or showing open enthusiasm towards them.  That’s what I define acceptance as – being happy to see these kids and show enthusiasm for them’.  

TEP26 participant aspirations

Participants shared their reflections on the day: 

Melanie Gallagher, St Mary Mackillop Primary School

‘It's been amazing! It's only been 5 hours, and I've already made connections and got a wonderful range of ideas to take back to my school.’  

Tegan Spence, Cranbourne Secondary School

‘I've really enjoyed the keynote speakers. I really resonated with making sure we remember our students, and that their wellbeing, their joy, their experiences are the centre of education.’ 

Matthew Roberts, Avila College

‘The day has been really energising. It’s been fantastic getting to know each other, to get ideas flowing, and connecting with like-minded educators and learn from their context.’ 

Bethany James, Beechworth Primary School  

‘It's been amazing to be supported to be part of something like this. Everyone's here for the right reasons and it feels invigorating to be recognised, and remember I am a great teacher.’