Our History

The notion of COACTEA was first floated in September 1996. Representatives from 29 professional associations met to discuss the formation of a joint council of associations. From this meeting a working party of volunteer members from a number of associations was formed to develop a draft proposal for its establishment.

On the 20 February 1997, the Council of ACT Education Associations (COACTEA) was born.

On 4 June the Minister for Education, Mr Bill Stefaniak, officially launched the Council of ACT Education Associations in the presence of one hundred guests at the Reception Hall in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Since our first AGM on 17 April 1997, our membership has expanded and our reputations has gained credibility. It is clear that we gained credibility.

It is clear that we have established ourselves locally and nationally as a body well qualified and capable of representing ACT professional associations, providing a respected voice on a variety of professional and educational issues.

During the past 14 months at the local level we have:

• been officially "launched" by Minister for Education, Bill Stefaniak at the ACT Legislative Assembly on 4 June 1997. A sub committee assisted in organising this event.
• increased our membership from 25 to 37 professional education associations.
• conducted 2 general meetings, 9 executive meetings, 2 special purpose meetings and 8 subcommittee meetings.
• developed a logo which now clearly identifies COACTEA in correspondence and newsletters.
• designed, published and distributed a pamphlet outlining COACTEA's objectives and functions, as well as listing the executive and member associations.
• developed a strategic plan which will guide COACTEA's activities for 1998.
• developed, published and distributed a Directory of COACTEA members.
• been accepted as a member of the Australian Joint Council of Professional Teacher Associations (AJCPTA) - the national body, and participated in 5 teleconferences with other state and territory members.
• produced, published and distributed 3 newsletters to member delegates (one per term) providing information about COACTEA activities and advertising professional development activities for member associations.
• successfully conducted a Forum (August 1997), attended by 150 teachers where 14 member associations presented workshops and Dale Spender delivered a keynote address.