South Australian Philosophy in Education Association
Let’s work together to create an education that supports individuals
and communities to pursue meaningful and thriving lives.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and learn in South Australia. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, and relationship with the land. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to our journey toward wisdom. We celebrate our interconnectedness with this land, which sustains us all as we pay respect to Elders past and present for their service to our community.
Detail from the watercolour “Adelaide from the Hills” by John Michael (1838), Art Gallery of South Australia.
Who we are
The South Australian Philosophy in Education Association is an organisation devoted to promoting the value and practice of philosophy for community wellbeing. Our members come from across the public and private sector, and share a belief in the importance of pursuing wisdom for everyone. SAPEA is also a member of the international organisation, the Federation of Asia-Pacific Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA) and Educators SA. Learn more about us.
Individual
SAPEA supports children and adults to develop the skills and resources for making meaning. The association offers in-school workshops for students, as well as professional learning and mentoring for teachers. Join us to learn about the value of philosophy in education and spread the love of wisdom.
Community
When you join SAPEA you join a community of educators, who are committed to ongoing reflection and inquiry. The social events
and training planned each year offers an opportunity for collective
meaning making about ‘good’ education. Stay tuned for educators’ conferences in 2026 and 2027!
Society
SAPEA advocates for education policy and practice that recognises the value of critical, creative, collaborative, and caring thinking. Thriving together on planet Earth requires significant capacities for communication, understanding, and self-knowledge—philosophy is indispensable for this.
Why join SAPEA
SAPEA is a professional organisation that is committed to actively supporting critical, creative, collaborative and caring thinking. Our aim is to foster communities of inquiry where learners are transformed through imagination, analysis and inquiry to develop dispositions toward ethical action. Member benefits include:
- access to classroom resources for community of inquiry and philosophy for children
- quarterly meetups, mentoring, and other social events throughout the year
- discounts on professional learning for individuals and groups for facilitating community of inquiry, philosophy, and pedagogy
- discounts on in-school and excursion community of inquiry experiences for students