Network 1 is one of EERA’s largest networks and has two Link Convenors. This year, Ken Jones stepped down as Link Convenor and was replaced by Stefan Zehetmeier. We are happy that Ken has decided to remain on the convenor team.
Network 1 continues to grow further and develop. Several convenor meetings have been held between the annual conferences. The team of convenors is highly active and motivated to engage and create an active network.
In 2024, conference submissions show the continuously high interest in and relevance of the network’s core topics for research and practice. For conference preparation, we worked with two sub-groups of convenors. One is responsible for the reviewing process. The other oversees the programming, planning, and scheduling of conference sessions. The growing interest of colleagues in participating in our network is also mirrored in the increasing number of submissions. This issue was discussed with the convenors and led to the decision to raise the number of convenors. We plan to add one or two new convenors to the team. For this, network members are invited to apply if they are interested. A brief personal statement is being requested. The current convenor team will decide on the persons to be appointed. This was raised at the Network 1 Business Meeting in ECER, and participants were invited to express an interest in joining the convenor team.
The highly successful and stimulating network meeting at ECER in Nicosia demonstrated the participants’ interest in cooperation and networking regarding the network’s aims and topics. During the network meeting in Nicosia, participants were asked to express their availability to review proposals at NW1 for ECER 2025 and to offer to chair sessions. In this situation, it became apparent that participants were greatly motivated to get involved and engaged in network activities, mainly acting as reviewers or chairing sessions during the conference. The idea of having an online newsletter is being continued to raise awareness of professional learning initiatives and give a voice to network participants.
The large number of participants in Nicosia provided opportunities for interactive discussion in the network sessions. This demonstrated the participants’ interest and willingness to engage in critical and fruitful discussions around our network’s core topics.
One of the most successful developments in 2024 represents the further development of the TIME project (Ecologies of Teacher Induction and Mentoring in Europe), which has been part of EERA's Network 1 since 2021, promoted and led by Hannu Heikkinen. The TIME project aims to bring together scholars interested in researching the support of new teachers during the induction phase. It has already organised various research meetings to promote collaboration between researchers working on mentoring and induction practices. The TIME project team held a Tuesday morning workshop during ECER 2024, which was very well attended.
For ECER 2025, our network is planning a special call titled 'Ecologies of Teacher Induction and Mentoring in Europe: Promoting Professional Practices for the Learning and Development of New Teachers'.
The TIME network has also compiled an email list of those willing to participate in the network, which is in line with GDPR guidelines. In 2023, 80 recipients signed up to the email list; in 2024, there were further sign-ups, bringing the total to 119 participants. The EERA Office has technically enabled its implementation as one of the EERA official network email lists. The 2025 special call will benefit from the use of this list.
Ken Jones has recently completed his second term as our network's link convenor. With great honour and the endorsement of our network members from the ECER 2024 meeting in Nicosia, a proposal for Ken to receive the Honorary Network Membership was addressed to the EERA office.