Courses | The Difference Institute

Teacher Development

Difference Institute

Teacher Development

Our workshops range from 2 hours to a full day and can be adapted for your school or organisation's needs. They are CPTD accredited with SACE and suitable for teachers of all subjects, from Grade 1 - 12 as well as student teachers.

Setting Up for Success

An introductory workshop assisting teachers to develop a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-friendly lens to better understand classroom behaviour. Learn practical strategies to create inclusive spaces, manage behaviour positively, and build a healthy classroom culture that facilitates meaningful learning.

Emotional Regulation in The Classroom

This workshop assists teachers to use attachment and trauma theory to develop a new perspective for interpreting and engaging with negative classroom behaviour. Gain practical strategies to regulate yourself and your learners, de-escalate behavioural incidents, and explore emotional safety, nervous system regulation, positive behaviour management, healthy classroom culture, and the brain-body connection through somatic practices.

Boundaries and Co-created Consequences for Improved Classroom Management

This workshop assists teachers to use attachment and trauma theory to develop a new perspective for interpreting and engaging with negative classroom behaviour. Gain practical strategies to regulate yourself and your learners, de-escalate behavioural incidents, and explore emotional safety, nervous system regulation, positive behaviour management, healthy classroom culture, and the brain-body connection through somatic practices.

The Trauma-Informed Teacher and Classroom

This workshop assists teachers to understand the impact of trauma on behaviour and learning in the classroom. Gain strategies to minimise the effects of a child’s existing trauma through practical activities that foster co-regulation and emotionally safe spaces - along with theory, discussion, and tools to manage the impact of trauma on the classroom. Develop practices that create a learning environment filled with kindness, respect, inclusion, and connection.

Movement and Creative Play for Enhancing Connection and Cognition

This experiential workshop explores play, creativity, laughter, and learning - and how they can build connection and enhance cognition. Engage in a range of adaptable practices drawn from improvisation techniques, drama, breathwork, yoga, movement, and dance, all supported by research into their connection to learning.

Blending theory, hands-on activities, facilitated conversation, and a strong focus on somatic awareness, you will leave with a toolkit of classroom-ready activities you feel confident leading, as well as a deeper understanding of how creative play can transform your classroom.