La Trobe University's commitment to advancing educational equity and tackling Australia's teaching shortage has taken a significant step forward, with the expansion of its acclaimed Nexus program into primary schools across New South Wales.
Nexus, a first-of-its-kind and proven initiative, is an employment-based pathway to teaching that enables high-performing professionals to transition from other careers while gaining practical experience in school settings.
Building on its success in Victoria, where 94 per cent of participants were teaching after graduating from the Nexus program, a new cohort of aspiring primary teachers will start their journey through Nexus from Term 4 in NSW schools facing critical staffing shortages.
The 90 Nexus participants across Victoria and NSW will simultaneously undertake a Master of Teaching (Primary) and receive support, mentorship and tailored instruction to address the unique teaching needs of their respective urban, regional or remote schools.
La Trobe's Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the expansion into NSW primary schools marked an important milestone in the University's ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages and improve student outcomes.
"Since 2020, Nexus has been instrumental in preparing educators for regional, rural and hard-to-staff school environments through its innovative approach," Professor Farrell said.
"By expanding into NSW primary schools, we are helping to ensure that every student in NSW and Victoria has equitable access to quality education, regardless of their background or location."
The key to Nexus' success lies in the strong partnerships between the University, schools and local communities. La Trobe works with 109 partner schools across NSW and Victoria.
La Trobe's School of Education, led by Professor Joanna Barbousas, has been at the forefront of evidence-informed approaches that respond to workforce pressures and deliver excellence in high-needs schools.
"We are proud of Nexus' proven track record in preparing dedicated teachers who are committed to serving and making a difference in their communities," Professor Barbousas said.
"Graduates of our Nexus program are exceptionally passionate and committed to working in schools - a huge win for students and their communities."
Most of the program's participants come from diverse professional backgrounds, including journalism and marketing, and STEM-related fields such as applied mathematics, agriculture, pharmacy and engineering.
During the program, participants will receive wrap-around support from a La Trobe academic mentor and a school-based mentor. Participants will also gain access to the Nexus peer network and attend two in-person intensives by La Trobe, with travel and accommodation reimbursed.
The first cohort of Victorian Nexus (Primary) students started in March this year and the first NSW cohort will start this month (July). They will be placed in schools from Term 4.
La Trobe will be opening applications in August for Semester One 2025 Master of Teaching for Primary and Secondary courses at our Sydney campus, more details are available at:
- Master of Teaching (Primary) | La Trobe University
- Master of Teaching (Secondary) | La Trobe University
Nexus is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers Program with the support of the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The NSW pilot primary program is a collaboration between La Trobe University, the NSW Department of Education, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga and the Catholic Education Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn.
Case Study
Dr Elliott Child graduated from the Nexus (Secondary) program in 2022 and is one of 17 Nexus participants who has gone through Wodonga Senior Secondary College. Dr Child has remained at this school and teaches Humanities.
"Before entering secondary teaching, I was a teacher and researcher in universities in Australia and Canada and received a doctorate in Human Geography from the University of British Colombia," Dr Child said.
"The Nexus program provided the key ingredients I needed to transition to teaching, including excellent professional mentoring, rigorous theoretical learning within a network of motivated peers and extensive classroom experience. I am proud to be a La Trobe University Mentor to emerging Nexus teachers."
Further Nexus case studies are available on request.
Data
Impact of Nexus so far:
- 83 per cent of participants have graduated or on track to graduate.
- 94 per cent of participants were teaching after graduating from the Nexus program
- 82 per cent of graduates teaching in schools with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) value below or equal to 1000 after completing the Nexus program.
- Nexus works with 109 partner schools in NSW and Victoria, including 35 regional schools, 34 rural schools and 40 schools in metro areas.
Key Demographic Data 2020-23 of the qualifications/careers of Nexus participants:
- All Nexus program participants have at least an undergraduate level qualification.
- 60 per cent of program participants are career changers.
- Program participants come from diverse careers other than teaching:
- STEM-related careers: applied mathematics, science, agriculture, pharmacy and engineering (software, chemical, civil)
- Health and allied health services, journalism and marketing
Other Key Demographic Data aligned with the Nexus vision:
- Gender breakdown: Female - 57%, Male - 41%, Non-Binary - 2%.
- 62 per cent of program participants are engaged in service and volunteer work in low socio-economic communities.
