The ACT Government have expanded the Permit to Teach (PTT) program in 2024 to include teaching students from Charles Sturt University.
The PTT program is an employment-based pathway for aspiring teachers in the ACT that was first introduced in 2023 for UC and ACU teaching students, with the program expanded to Charles Sturt teaching students from this year.
The program enables final year teaching students at the University of Canberra, Australian Catholic University and Charles Sturt University to gain great work experience in an ACT public school while also earning around $75,000 a year.
This program provides invaluable real-world experience to aspiring educators while offering them financial support through employment, all endorsed by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI). PTT employees also receive up to 6 weeks paid placement leave, to enable them to undertake their final year placement.
Minister for Education Yvette Berry was pleased to see the expansion of the program in 2024.
"We recognise the crucial role played by our educators in shaping the lives of our city's young people," Minister Berry said.
"Through the agreements we have in place with universities, we are ensuring the teachers of the future are getting experience in the classroom while also being paid for the work they do.
"Last year 61 ITE students registered for a Permit to Teach across ACT public schools, which was beneficial not only for them but also for our schools, who continue to face challenges due to the ongoing national teacher shortage.
"I welcome Charles Sturt University to the PTT program."
Quotes attributable to Brian Downton, Alfred Deakin High School principal:
"We have a number of PTT teachers from last year who have been an outstanding addition to our school. The opportunity for them to come in and teach while being supported by mentors, gives them a real springboard for success in our profession.
"As a school we get to mentor, mould and work with exceptional emerging educators at the very beginning of their career. This is a tremendous opportunity which, during a teacher shortage, is all the more valuable."
Quotes attributable to Catherine Bui, Alfred Deakin High School teacher and 2023 PTT program participant:
"I believe the PTT program was a great opportunity and privilege to work on my craft while learning the most recent teaching strategies and programs. Being able to implement that as you're learning it is a great opportunity.
"To be mentored by colleagues across the school was valuable in improving pedagogy and reflection on my practise."
Quotes attributable to Sam Carters, Alfred Deakin High School teacher and 2023 PTT program participant:
"The program enabled me, as a mature age student, to transition to my teaching career faster. Being paid to learn on the job meant that I could teach sooner.
"I'd absolutely recommend final year teaching students sign up and get involved."
