About Us

The Tasmanian History Teachers’ Association (THTA) is committed to supporting Tasmanian K-12 teachers in their important role of educating young Tasmanians about the past.

Membership
Membership is open to teachers in the government, independent and Catholic education sectors and associate membership for individuals and organisations with an interest in the teaching of history (e.g. historians, museums, local history groups, heritage sites, etc). The cost of membership is $30.00 for an individual or $60.00 for school/institutional membership.

Committee
The committee is comprised of:
President: David Boon
Vice President: Alison Grant
Secretary/Treasurer/Simpson Prize Coordinator: Barry McFarlane
National History Challenge State Coordinator: Angelique Bowe
Committee members: Maria Leaver, Virginia Jacobs, Julie Bird, Sue Newitt


Competitions
A major focus of the Association is providing teachers and students with guidance in a number of state and national history competitions which each focus on the skills and knowledge required for genuine historical inquiry. These are:
• The National History Challenge http://historychallenge.org.au/
• Simpson Prize www.simpsonprize.org
• The Australian History Competition http://www.australianhistorycompetition.com.au/
• Frank Mac Donald Prize www.education.tas.gov.au/school/teaching/awards/macdonald

Professional Development
The following professional development activities are planned for 2011:
1) Workshop/s to support teachers in implementing competitions such as the National History Challenge in their classroom.
2) After school workshops/walks, etc. with the support of other community and educational organisations.
3) A conference being planned for term three. Details will be provided as they are available.

Publications
1) Due to the size of the organisation the THTA does not currently have a journal. We are currently exploring the development of a web resource which would allow both the committee to add formal information and also an area for members to share resources and ideas.
2) The dissemination of information by an emailed newsletter. The timing and number of these will be advertised early in 2011.

We need you!
With the implementation of the Australian History Curriculum the Tasmanian History Teachers’ Association are committed to supporting all teachers of history in the implementation of the curriculum. The Association is a group that relies on the expertise of its members and we look forward to the involvement of current and new members at this important time in the teaching of history in Tasmanian schools.