WELS coordinates and co-facilitates a Educator and Multi-School Network - Student Leadership, Service and Agency: Primary Years  (The Network).  The objective of the Network is to encourage communication and collaboration between educators in different schools who oversee or are interested in the closely related domains of student leadership, service and learning or student agency.  The aim of the Network is to build and enhance each members capacity to enhance student leadership, service or agency in their schools.  The Staff Network is open to any school or any educator working in these areas.  You can join the Network as an individual educator or as a school.  This is a valuable and unique PD and networking opportunity for educators working in these important areas.  There is not currently a purpose-designed Network and PD, such as this, for teachers in Australia.  This umbrella Network integrates and builds on other related Networks that have been co-facilitated by WELS and WELS Founder and Lead Educator:  Ben Righetti  MBA Grad.Dip.Ed MSoc.Dev. BSc. COR MEd*.  The strength of a professional network such as this is in the nature of the participation from each members, so let's work together to make this as collaborative, supportive and effective as possible.

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What does the Network offer?

The Network involves the following core opportunities:

Live online workshop and forum 

• once per term there is an live online workshop open to all members (most Terms this is in Week 3 or 4 on a Weds afternoon from 3.45 - 5.30 pm; the schedule is confirmed each year)

• each workshop includes the following key activities: teacher forum; project and action research planning and development; spotlight showcase of a members project or specific program in a school

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The Network also offers members the following options (opt-in):

• project and practical action research: members can team-up with educators from other schools to work on an action research project to address an important need in student leadership, service learning or student agency.

• joining an online platform/group with other educators

• other projects and activities as identified by members and teams 

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Network Coordinator and Lead Facilitator: Ben Righetti  MBA Grad.Dip.Ed MSoc.Dev. BSc. COR MEd*

The Network will be coordinated and co-facilitated by WELS Founder and Lead Educator: Ben Righetti  (MBA Grad.Dip.Ed MSoc.Dev. BSc. COR MEd*).  Ben is a highly qualified, experienced, skilled and passionate educator, community development coordinator, program coordinator, social worker, teacher, social entrepreneur, small business owner, researcher, facilitator, coach and mentor.  Ben has over 20 years of experience developing and coordinating innovative and highly successful leadership, service, and personal and social development models and programs, in partnership with young people and schools.  Ben and WELS have worked in partnership with a number of schools to develop and help implement new or enhanced student leadership and service models, structures, systems, curriculum and programs.  Ben and WELS have worked in partnership with teachers and school to co-facilitate a number of collaborative networks and professional development programs with educators. 

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Cost: Membership Categories

You can join the Network as an individual teacher working with a role of focus on these area or as a school.  The costs to manage and facilitate the Network are shared across members.   You can join the Network at anytime.  Teachers or schools are invited to apply to use you personal or school PD/training budget to pay/part pay for your participation in the Network. 

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The standard core membership of the Network is for 12 months or 4 school terms.  The general cycle of the Network and projects is from the start of Term 2 through till the end of Term 1 in the following year. 

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Below are the membership categories you can choose: (costs listed as per teacher/educator):

• Annual Rate (12 months membership: 4 Terms): $200

• School Rates for Multiple Staff: Special rates may apply to schools who wish to enroll 3 or more members in the Network.  Please contact WELS directly to discuss your needs and a tailored school rate.

• Special Introductory Rate (6 month) (introductory rate for new members for the first 6 months only: 2 Terms): $100

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Registrations or Expression of Interest: Click this link or button below to register

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More Information

Want to find out more.  Please email us.

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Connections

WELS also offers on online student network and online student leadership extension program.  This is open to student leaders or reps from any school and is designed to build on and complement their role at any school and the student leadership program at their school.  The Network offers students a live-online workshop in Term 2, 3 and 4 with student leaders from different schools.  You may also be interested in student leaders or reps from your school joining this student network.  

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