Annie Cowling - Women in Plumbing

Abstract

Women in non-traditional trades: a recent initiative.

The issues for women in non traditional trades are not simple! Or are they? Many of the issues have been researched, analysed, explored and strategised for many years. Glancing back at the National Strategy for Women in Vocational Education and Training (1996) there were many strategies articulated for key organisations and State Governments to undertake, including for training providers to establish targets for female participation, develop implementation plans and report progress.

In 2007 there were 7 women registered as plumbers in Queensland.  In that year the Plumbers Union of Queensland commenced a program to increase the number of women in the plumbing trades. They sought and received funding from DETA for this initiative. This program in essence is to recruit, place and mentor 20 women into Plumbing apprenticeship and see them successfully through their apprenticeships. This workshop will provided information on how and why the project was established, the progress to date, and what we have been learning as we go.

Discussion direction would explore the issues related to 'isolation' from other women at work? Is it a problem and if so what can be done about it? And whilst being unique may bring issues of visibility, is the only alternative to assimilate. (Kanter 1977) And then what is the role of networking, mentoring, the TAFE experience? What are the female apprentices requiring at this time to assist with their success?

Dr Carole Ford - Hey-Ho the derry-o the farmer takes a Husband

Bio

After an extensive career as an early childhood teacher, Carole completed a PhD in Women’s Studies at Deakin University.  This provided an opportunity for her to lecture in women’s studies and supervise post-graduate students.  It also resulted in a memorable role in ‘The Vagina Monologues’ on campus!  Seeking a warmer climate, Carole relocated to Cairns almost four years ago, taking up the role of Equity and Disability Officer at TNQ TAFE for three years.  Currently she is an adviser and activist for women; secretary of the Peninsula Branch of the AWE; convenor of Cairns Women’s Network; member of Amnesty International; member of EMILY’s list; a Pyjama Angel; enrolled in a research MEd (Hons) at JCU and working towards a pilot’s licence.

Abstract

Questions, questions, questions!  In the context of equity, how is curriculum defined?  How would you recognise a gender inclusive curriculum?  How do you deconstruct sex/gender assumptions without imposing normative stereotypes?  But isn’t it the boys who are being disadvantaged in the current system?  Why should we implement a gender inclusive curriculum?  If we agree that such an approach has validity, how would we implement it?  And haven’t we talked about all this before?  These are some of the challenges and concepts that this roundtable will to explore.  Hunt out all those official documents on ‘equity’, ‘gender inclusivity’ and ‘equal opportunity’ gathering dust on the teacher reference shelf. 

Dianne Payne - Widening the Choices - Opening the Pathways

Abstract unavailable

Denise Bewert - Tackling Teens

Bio

Denise started her working life as a journalist with The Courier-Mail in Brisbane. She worked as an English teacher and Guidance Officer for Education Queensland for many years.   She currently owns and operates a consultancy business. She is the author of two books, Tackling Teens and Troubled Teens.

Abstract

The Tackling Teens workshop aims to provide a range of strategies to assist with preventing and/or resolving many of the misunderstandings and conflicts that can occur during the adolescent years.  It shows how adults can help teenagers make
safe and healthy lifestyle choices. The workshop is based on her book of the same name.

Denise Bewert - Troubled Teens

Bio

Denise started her working life as a journalist with The Courier-Mail in Brisbane. She worked as an English teacher and Guidance Officer for Education Queensland for many years.   She currently owns and operates a consultancy business. She is the author of two books, Tackling Teens and Troubled Teens.

Abstract

The Troubled Teens workshop discusses some of the childhood biological and environmental issues that can help predict risky and problematic behaviours in adolescence. Denise also discusses the protective factors that may help develop resilience in teenagers. In the workshop, Denise provides basic intervention strategies that can be used by concerned adults to assist teenagers make safe and healthy behaviour choices.

Kimberly Turner-Zeller - Women in Adult and Vocational Education

Abstract unavailable

Letizia De Rosa - Women - Our Own Best Friends

Bio

After an extensive career as a teacher, Letizia spent some time in real estate and has worked for DSQ.  After completing a Masters in Special Education and losing two babies Letizia began writing her first book Antonino’s Niche.  A book written out of a need to survive and to prove more than one point.  This book and her other books, Conversations with My Mother and Oh My God I Might have to Smile. have helped Letizia to take chances, harness opportunities and put her on the road to some life-changing choices.

Abstract

Ten questions, Ten answers, Ten ACTIONS!
 
In the context of education and life how do we support one another? 
How would you recognise female support and how would you define it?  What is our relationship like with our mother, sister(s) and other women?  How much do we face ourselves through these relationships?  How much do they hold us back or make us move forward?
 
How do males support one another and what can we learn from this?  How do we role-model our support to one another as women and can we do better?  Are we our own and each other’s best friends?   Who are the real life-givers in our lives?
How much do we harness the choices and opportunities and encourage others to do the same?  How life-giving are we as women?
How can we action any of the above TODAY?
 

Maria Delaney - Leading Social Change Forum

Bio

Maria is a mother of three, student, teacher and consultant involved with gender justice research and education projects. She is currently Senior Project Officer for the National Safe and Supportive School Communities Project responsible for the Bullying. No way! website, and Project Officer for the AWE-Some Women Leading Social Change Project. 

Abstract

Participants will be invited to share stories about their personal experiences, challenges and learnings in relation to social justice and gender issues, reflecting upon implications, issues and support needs, for leadership and change. The Leading Social Change Forum is part of a research project being undertaken by the AWE to inform the development of our organisation and service to members.  Project information, invitation to participate, and survey materials will be posted on the AWE website in August to allow prior consideration of questions for discussion.

Sally Edsell - Students@Work

Bio

Sally Edsall taught in high schools in NSW, Istanbul and England for 15 years before becoming a Research Officer with the Teachers Federation, a position she still holds.

Abstract

More high school aged students than ever are combining part time work with fulltime school or TAFE study. In 2004 79% of all 15-19 year olds studying full time were also working (ABS). What are the issues confronting them? What opportunities does this present young people with? The Teachers federation has developed an interactive web site aimed at helping students, their teachers, parents and carers and employers find their way through the maze. This workshop will look at the site and look at strategies for integrating its use into classroom teaching practice. 

Wanjuan - Case Study of two women Principals in China.

Bio

Wanjuan Zhong gained her master degree on Education at Beijing Normal University in 2004. Currently she is a full time Ph. D student of Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology.

Abstract

Leadership construction: A life history case study of two women school principals in China

The market-oriented economic reforms in the People’s Republic of China since the late 1970s have significantly affected the life of women educators in China. Yet, to date, there is a lack of empirical studies investigating women school principals’ experiences of these reforms. This paper begins by reviewing some of the salient international leadership literature that illuminates the principalship. It then discusses the methodology, a life history case study approach, that steered the direction of the study. The findings present a discussion of the leadership practices of two women principals in urban primary schools in PRC. It discusses how they constructed their leadership practices in specific organizational, societal, and cultural contexts. It suggests that leadership construction for both of these women principals is an ongoing process of interaction with the wider contexts in which they are located. Their individual biographical experiences are also seen to contribute to their leadership construction.

Dr Hilary Whitehouse - Butterfly Gardens or Burnout

Abstract unavailable

Virginia Gill - South Australian Leadership Program

Abstract

Women in our schools and preschools have traditionally encountered more challenges than their male counterparts in undertaking leadership positions.  The issues of child rearing, work life balance and personal/professional resilience have been highlighted by women leaders in a series of meetings and a full day DECS Women in Leadership Conference in March 2008.  There is real concern about the dearth of emerging school leaders across the nation, both male and female.  What strategies can we employ to make school leadership more attractive, particularly for women who aspire to become leaders and role models? The South Australian Centre for Leaders in Education (SACLE), which is a unit of DECS, has been working actively with school based and corporate female leaders to support women in leadership.  This workshop will explore the work being done by DECS to address the issues raised by women in their journey as leaders, where the price sometimes overwhelms the passion. 

Corinne Harper& Tracey Gude -  “Supporting Pregnant & Parenting Students in your Community”

Abstract

How to make your school a great  choice for pregnant and parenting students.

Corinne Harper and Tracey Gude decided to use the publication 'Step by Step - Side by Side'  and develop a workshop from this book on 'How to make your school a great  choice for pregnant and parenting students'.

Tracey and I are Youth Workers employed by Education Queensland.  The Pregnant & Parenting program is part of the Training Reform for the Future.
Our goal to encourage and support all pregnant and parenting students to remain in school to complete their education in the school of their choice. By having this choice, students can maintain their own support network and independence.  We are able to assist within the Corinda/Ipswich Education districts to create an environment which is welcoming to pregnant and parenting students.

We use the Step by Step - Side by Side and Present Pregnant & Proud
publications often in our role of supporting schools to become a great
choice for pregnant and parenting students.

We will use the framework from the 'Step by Step - Side by Side' publication and discuss topics such as:

• Issues in teenage pregnancy and parenting
• Social issues in teenage parenting
• Staying at school
• How can we respond to some of the these issues through the curriculum
• Looking at EQ policy for Pregnant & Parenting Students

Samalie Kasyrie - Choices Chances and Opportunities

Abstract unavailable

Donna-Maree O'Connor - Cape York Justice Study

Abstract unavailable