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Teachers and Advisers Conference

Join us on Wednesday 25 June from 9am - 3pm for our annual Teachers and Advisers conference which aims to bring together educators and industry experts from the north-east and beyond.

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A City on The Rise: Adapting to meet the needs of our students

Our 2025 conference will allow you to explore how the University of Sunderland and the wider city are adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of students. We'll showcase the key developments taking place in our city whilst highlighting how our current and future students will benefit from their implementation.

Held in the Prospect building at our Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, you'll have the opportunity to network with other delegates, university staff and current students.

Attendees from last year's conference praised the organisation and industry-relevant talks and sessions: “a well-organised and attentive conference… I would recommend it to any of my colleagues interested in exploring education beyond their usual environment and looking for valuable CPD.”

People sat in a lecture theatre smiling at each other

Guest speakers

Hear from our guest speakers about how investments can benefit your students and enhance their Higher Education experience. We'll be joined by a variety of speakers delivering sessions related to education and careers after graduation.

As well as an important update from UCAS, we'll also have our “City on the Rise” panel discussion, which will include Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports, Nick Malyan from Sunderland Culture, and Lee Hall, Head of School of Media & Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland.

Our Keynote Speaker, Sharon Appleby, will deliver a presentation introducing the theme of the conference, “City on the Rise”, and will discuss how Sunderland BID’s work is essential to the developments in the city.

Sharon is the BID’s Chief Executive and not only works closely with businesses and organisations across the city but is also actively involved in shaping BIDs nationwide as part of the British BIDS Advisory Board. She has worked in Sunderland for more than 20 years so has an unparalleled understanding of the area, and that experience, coupled with a real passion for her job, means she’s perfectly placed to help drive the city to achieve its aims and fulfil its ambitions.

CPD workshops

The day will include a variety of breakout sessions, where you can choose from topics that interest you the most.

Sessions on offer include:

Building Pathways to Success: Understanding University Support Systems

Presented by Gail Jamison, Student Support Manager of Wellbeing and Welfare at the University of Sunderland.

Join us for an informative workshop designed to equip you with information to share with prospective students about the wide range of student support services offered at our university. From mental health resources, disability support to financial guidance, this session will cover the resources available to help students thrive both academically and personally with the support from a range of support services.

Learn how you can inform your students by connecting them early with the right services and support systems. Together, we can ensure a smooth transition and foster an environment where every student has the opportunity to excel.

Strengthening partnerships with the support services will result in enhanced outcomes for our students! 

Embedding DEI in Educational Spaces

Presented by Charlotte Feather, Academic Tutor at the School of Education, University of Sunderland

In today’s diverse and interconnected world, fostering inclusive educational environments is more crucial than ever. Led by Charlotte Feather, Lecturer in Education, this session explores the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles that can be embedded within a range of educational contexts. Underpinned by contemporary research, government legislation, and lived experience, attendees will leave with practical strategies to help them create safe, affirming, and empowering spaces for their learners and colleagues.

Charlotte Feather smiling at the camera

Behaviour Management: Continuing to Support Learners in a Post-Pandemic World

Presented by Reece Sohdi, Lecturer in the School of Education, University of Sunderland.

Five years after Covid-19, the post-16 sector faces lasting challenges: rising absenteeism (1.49 million persistently absent learners), increased SEMH needs, and social withdrawal. Across education, suspension rates have risen 4.6% for SEMH learners, highlighting behaviour management concerns. This workshop explores Tom Bennett’s 3Rs (Routines, Relationships, Responses) as a framework to tackle these issues, helping teachers support disengaged and neurodivergent learners. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve attendance, foster inclusion, and create structured, supportive environments for all learners.

Reece Sohdi smiling at the camera

Faculty Tours

Delegates will select one of three academic areas to visit. The focus will be on University facilities that can be used by school and college groups to enhance their teaching and learning.

The options available are:

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing
School of Media and Creative Industries
School of Technology

Secure your place now

Book now using our online registration form.

For more information on this event, please contact events.recruitment@sunderland.ac.uk.

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