As we start a new school year, now is the perfect time to reflect, plan, and set intentions for how you approach First Nations education. Thoughtful preparation now can help create an empowering learning environment that benefits you, your colleagues, and, most importantly, your students. Here are some practical steps to get started...

Build your knowledge base
Dedicate time to deepening your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and perspectives. This could include:
Reading books by First Nations authors
Listening to podcasts
Watching documentaries and films made by First Nations people
It’s essential that the information you consume comes from First Nations voices.
Historically, especially before the 1990s, most books and media about First Nations peoples were created by non-Indigenous people, often leading to inaccuracies and outdated terminology. Prioritising First Nations-led content ensures authentic, respectful and accurate information is understood by the teacher and passed on to students.
Connect with Community
Building relationships with your local First Nations community is invaluable. One of the first First Nations significant dates in the year is January 26 — which may be known as Invasion Day, Survival Day or a day of Mourning by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By attending one of these First Nations events in your local community, you can:
Demonstrate solidarity with the community
Have the opportunity to meet Elders and community leaders
Gain firsthand insights into local perspectives
Show respect for your students and their families on what can be a difficult day for First Nations people
Seeing students at these events can strengthen relationships and foster two-way respect. There are also many other First Nations events throughout the year — make it a goal to participate in as many as possible.
Audit your classroom resources
At the start of the year, take time to review your classroom resources to ensure they are diverse, respectful and up-to-date.
Books: How many books in your classroom library are written and/or illustrated by First Nations people? Read our blog post 'Building Diverse Classroom Libraries: The Importance of First Nations Representation in Literature' for further classroom library considerations.
Displays: Consider what is represented on your classroom walls. Do you have:
The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags?
Authentic First Nations artwork in a variety of different art styles?
A classroom Acknowledgment of Country? (Better yet, co-create one with your students in the first few days of school.)
Artefacts: Do you have any authentic First Nations artefacts displayed in your classroom that you can then refer to throughout the year in relevant lessons?
Set Clear Anti-Racism Expectations
Since we are setting the tone for the year, it’s important to establish a strong anti-racism stance in your classroom.
Teach students about what racism is, the different types of racism, how racism negatively impacts victims and benefits the perpetrators (which is why it still exists today)
Explain how the elimination of racism allows space for everyone to exist and thrive together — which is beneficial for all.
Set clear anti-racism expectations with students.
Having open and honest discussions about racism and bias early in the year can help create a culturally safe space for all students.
Review relevant policies and plan professional development opportunities
Familiarising yourself with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education policies for your state or territory is crucial. Each department of education has policies outlining the responsibilities of teachers in embedding First Nations perspectives. For example, in New South Wales, the Aboriginal Education Policy is co-developed with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG). Knowing this policy can:
Guide your teaching and planning.
Support you in advocating for First Nations education initiatives in your school.
Strengthen your professional learning goals for the year.
If there are aspects of the policy that you feel less confident in implementing, consider setting these as professional learning goals to build your skills and knowledge in those areas.
#AboriginalEducation #FirstNationsEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #PlanningForConnection #InclusiveClassrooms #TeacherTips #AustralianTeachers #EducationMatters #BackToSchool

Need more support?
All of these suggestions for preparing a strong year of First Nations education are explored in greater detail in Planning for Connection 2025. This one-of-a-kind resource, created by The Yulang Effect, is designed to be a go-to guide for all teachers in all educational settings. It unpacks best practice for the above suggestions (and more!) and is a space for you to efficiently and effectively take action throughout the year both individually and collaboratively with your colleagues.
By being intentional and proactive now, you can ensure that First Nations education is embedded meaningfully in your classroom all year round.
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