News from Adam

Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.

NEAS was well received by senior officials from the Education Department in Canberra last week. NEAS board member David Riordan and myself introduced them to the recently launched NEAS Homestay Standards. We also explained the NEAS Agent Quality Endorsement process. Both of these initiatives and the following they have attracted demonstrate the important leadership role taken by NEAS. We’re taking an active role in showing the way to quality improvement across a range of functions within our sector. Worth noting too is that these initiatives began some time ago. They weren’t reactions to passing trends. Don’t get me wrong. Responding to policy changes as they emerge is critical for us all. We’re subject to these forces and we must be responsive. What I’m saying though is that it’s important to be invested across time. And NEAS is invested. We’re looking forwards, finding insights in advance of what might be required right now. Another example is our quality standards for online English programs. Did you know these were developed before the COVID lock downs when we were all forced into online learning? The international student recruitment pipeline to Australia is suffering right now and I know budgets are tight. But playing the long game with us is important.

I am very grateful to David for his help in securing these meetings and his help had me reflecting on the value of the NEAS board. They’re a highly skilled group of individuals and by definition professional. Their number includes those elected by you as well as some from related sectors (such as David, a former TAFE Director) and others from industries and pursuits not directly related to ELT, including the important task of board sitting itself. Our model of governance gives us great strength.

Can I finish with some news that the NEAS Management Conference is nearing capacity in registrations. We’re not there yet. There are places available but our venue is smaller this year and we’ve chosen a “closer” format. It’s going to be great but only if you get in now. It will provide insight into the future and the drivers of that future. The future’s worth the investment… Right?

March 2024

Conference Countdown: 5 Weeks To Go!

ACADEMIC MANAGER WORKSHOP – SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Professional Development and Teacher Empowerment

Managing Multi-Site Organisations: Strategies That Actually Work

With the growing number of ELICOS institutions expanding across the country, managing multi-campus organisations has become more common.

Join our interactive workshop for practical strategies on achieving effective operations across multiple campuses, drawing from experiences at Albright’s campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.


Cultivating Continuous Improvement in ELICOS

In the dynamic landscape of Australian ELT, schools must adapt rapidly. This presentation explores how a Sydney-based ELICOS school drives positive change through collaborative learning, improved communication, and data-driven decision-making. 

By prioritising student feedback and innovative practices, La Lingua enhances the learning experience becoming more responsive to students’ needs and expectations.


Lifelong Learning and Professional Development for Managers

Lifelong learning and continuous professional development are essential for ELT managers to stay relevant and effective in their roles. This presentation will explore strategies for building personalised learning plans tailored to the unique needs of ELT leadership.


Mentoring Models for Academic Managers

Explore diverse mentoring models in ELT, focusing on effective peer mentoring programs for academic managers.

This session covers theory, practical insights from research and case studies, and offers a platform for participants to discuss and apply peer mentoring in their contexts.

March 2024

Industry Partnerships and Collaboration for Innovation in the ELT Industry

Collaboration is renowned for fostering creativity and generating new ideas… But how?

When individuals come together, sharing experiences and resources, and bringing their own perspectives and expertise to the table, added value is created in those interactions. “The result is greater than the sum of its parts” they say. Whether it is exchanging best practices, addressing sector-wide challenges, or simply brainstorming ideas, collaborating with others can be invigorating and lead to remarkable success! It encourages networking and relationship-building, opening doors to mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities.

Our ELT sector is arguably the most energetic and creative in education. Our work at NEAS allows us to see various parties connecting, sharing and remaking opportunity. In some ways this is about responding to change as it happens. In other ways, we’re not just reacting. We’re in the front seat and driving that innovation. By assuring high-quality language education that puts students first, NEAS is a critical player in this space.

By connecting stakeholders with differing resources, needs, and knowledge, NEAS facilitates collaboration and enables collective success. Through these efforts and the creation of a strong community, NEAS plays a key role. It creates professional connections that sing!

A great example is the recently NEAS-endorsed ReadyTeacher product. Sarah Chamberlain, the founder has done a terrific job in designing a new platform in the teacher recruitment space.

Who will you connect with today to exchange ideas and create added value for yourself and your organisation?

March 2023

Conference Countdown: 6 Weeks Left!

ACADEMIC MANAGER WORKSHOPSPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Change Management: Leading Transformation of Teacher Observations


In this session explore innovative approaches to teacher observation, including ways in which evaluative assessments may be tailored to professional development opportunities fostering comprehensive teacher growth.

Gain insights into leading teachers through communication strategies, training and phased implementation.


Building Resilient ELT Institutions


Discover the critical role of organisational resilience in ELT institutions and explore essential strategies for fostering resilience both at the institutional level and within individual teams, facilitating adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Explore innovative approaches to building a resilient culture, empowering staff members to embrace change, overcome adversity, and drive continuous improvement.

Understand the fundamental principles of organisational resilience and its significance in ensuring the long-term success of ELT institutions. Discover how resilient organisations can effectively navigate uncertainties, adapt to changing circumstances, and thrive in dynamic educational landscapes.


Building a Quality Culture: Leadership’s Role in Institutional Transformation

Join us in this workshop as we explore the role of leadership in driving institutional transformation by fostering a culture of quality. Drawing from her experience, our presenter will provide insights into the strategies employed, the challenges encountered, and the keys to success in sustaining a quality-centric culture during times of change.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge and actionable strategies to promote a culture of quality within their own organisations, empowering them to navigate change effectively. Don’t miss this opportunity to leverage these insights to drive meaningful transformation within your institution.


March 2024

Congratulations to Universal English (UE)!

NEAS extends congratulations to Universal English (UE) for the successful completion of a Quality Review Activity. Located in Melbourne CBD, Universal English (UE) serves as the central office for the Universal Learning Group, comprising the Universal Institute of Technology, The William Light Institute, and Universal Higher Education.

The campus features well-equipped facilities, including computer labs, a library, comfortable breakout areas on each level, a dining area, and a cafe-like space offering barista courses and coffee services. UE’s student body is diverse, welcoming students from many countries, including Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Turkey, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia. These students are enrolled in a variety of courses including General English, Cambridge FCE, IELTS Exam Preparation, and the unique UE Active Conversation in English (ACE) course.

Committed to enhancing oral communication skills and fostering cultural integration, UE organises Active English weeks and various social activities, showcasing dedication to holistic language education.

March 2024

Congratulations to ReadyTeacher!

ReadyTeacher is a dynamic technology platform connecting educators with top-tier institutions offering ELICOS and VET programs, both in-person and online, including offshore courses. ReadyTeacher’s mission is to revolutionise the way education providers find specialised teachers, making it as simple as a click of a button.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse ReadyTeacher in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community. Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.

ReadyTeacher was developed after identifying gaps in on-demand teacher hiring and feedback from stakeholders requesting a centralised pool of qualified teachers. It benefits teachers with flexible work and diverse experiences, centres with streamlined hiring and teacher quality, and the ELT industry with improved reputation and recruitment practices. Software developers were engaged from the start to ensure compliance and suitability of the technology.

ReadyTeacher offers a comprehensive platform for client centres, including payroll management, lesson planning, and professional development. It provides a 90-minute turnaround for teacher relief and access to a wide pool of on-demand teachers across major cities through its user-friendly mobile app. Pricing is competitive, saving on payroll and recruitment costs. The service also offers biweekly lesson planning support and mandatory professional development for teachers.

NEAS was particularly impressed with the quantity and quality of research and development, industry consultation and stakeholder feedback that has gone into ReadyTeacher. The involvement of software developers and early adopters in the initial development and piloting phase is also to be commended. NEAS notes ReadyTeacher’s aim as a transformative resource geared towards innovative 21st century solutions to a persistent issue within the ELT and other educational settings.

March 2024

Congratulations to ILSC Sydney!

Congratulations to ILSC Sydney on the successful completion of its Quality Review activity with NEAS.

ILSC Sydney is part of the wider ILSC group, established 31 years ago, with a global presence including colleges in Canada, the USA, India, and Australia. The Sydney campus is strategically located on George Street within the iconic Woolworths Building. The two-floor facility serves as a vibrant hub for English language teaching and learning. ILSC Sydney offers courses in General English, FCE, CAE, IELTS Mastery, and EAP, accommodating over 1,000 students across three shifts.

Participants in the Student Focus Group expressed satisfaction with their learning outcomes, highlighting the quality of instruction and describing their experience as ‘very good’. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy diverse opportunities to enhance their language skills through activities such as job clubs, foosball games in common areas, and informal gatherings in the lounge/kitchen spaces, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Teachers in the Focus Group are pleased to be part of the ILSC teaching team. They appreciated the wealth of resources available and their seamless access to instant IT support during teaching sessions.

Management’s commitment to fostering a “school ethos” and a “community feel” is evident in their efforts to promote coordination and networking among colleagues. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment where professionals can build a rewarding career path within the ILSC community.

March 2024

Congratulations to Acknowledge Education (AE) Melbourne!

Congratulations to Acknowledge Education (AE) Melbourne centre on successfully completing a Quality Review Activity with NEAS.

Since merging under the Acknowledge Education umbrella in June 2022, AE has undergone significant restructuring, including a rebrand. All four education institutions – Melbourne Language Centre, Stott’s College, Front Cooking School, and Acknowledge Creativity – have seamlessly merged under the unified logo of Acknowledge Education (AE). As part of this transformation, the centre has implemented a formal and scheduled system for assessment validation and moderation, established a more structured professional development program for staff, and transitioned to an online format for student feedback, aligning with NEAS recommendations.
 
Catering to a diverse student body primarily from China and Vietnam, alongside students from India, Thailand, and the Philippines, AE offers High School Preparation (HSP) to under 18s at its Exhibition Street campus, while its Bourke Street Campus focuses on General English (GE) for adults.
 
AE’s dedication to student welfare is exemplified through initiatives like the Your Care Team and the provision of counselling services.
 
The centre’s commitment to continual improvement underscores its dedication to delivering an enhanced ELT experience for both students and teachers.

March 2024

Conference Countdown: Only 7 More Weeks!

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

With a focus on wellbeing and mental health, this panel discussion highlights the importance of sustaining the wellbeing of students and teachers in the ELT sector, making it especially relevant in today’s context. Our esteemed panellists, experts in the industry, will share valuable insights and explore effective strategies to support the wellbeing of educators and learners.

In the dynamic landscape of the ELT industry, the mental health and wellbeing of educators and international students are paramount. As the sector changes and evolves, educators and students face increasing pressure and stress. This panel discussion serves as a platform to address these challenges, offering practical solutions and fostering a supportive community.

One of the ways on which we serve our members at NEAS is to frame discussion and create a space for knowledge sharing. We expect this session to have an influence over education support for teachers and students in the community. 

March 2024

NEAS Connects with ASEAN and Its Region – AUN-QA Roundtable

Back on Australian soil NEAS Australia’s CEO Adam Kilburn attended the AUN-QA Roundtable in Melbourne on 1 March and will be going to the APAIE in Perth next week 4 – 8 March 2024.

Here with Dr Choltis Dhirathiti of the ASEAN University Network and Michael Fay, Director of ASEAN Focus Group (AFG) Venture Group, NEAS CEO Adam Kilburn has spent time discussing partnerships between the ASEAN University Network and Victorian Universities at this important roundtable.

Discussions around emphasising the importance of multilateral, global relationships will continue at the APAIE conference in Perth. Adam will be speaking to many of our ASEAN partners there.

March 2024