An additional cohort of high-achieving student teachers will bring their expertise to secondary schools in rural and regional areas and disadvantaged communities from the start of next year to help bolster student outcomes, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced $1.3 million would be provided to place an additional 80 Teach for Australia student teachers into schools serving low-socioeconomic areas from Term 1, 2022.
The Employment Based Pathway initiative sees intern teachers with subject area knowledge complete their Master of Teaching (Professional Practice) with Australian Catholic University while on two-year placements at government secondary schools in regional, rural and disadvantaged communities.
These intern teachers, known as Associates, receive coaching from teaching and leadership advisers and mentors as they attain their qualification.
Teach for Australia was established in 2010 to help break the cycle of educational inequality through the provision of high-quality teachers and leaders to schools in need, with the aim of giving all students the same opportunities to excel. Victoria was the first state to partner with the not-for-profit organisation.
Since then, over 600 Associates have been placed in more than 100 government secondary schools across the state.
This Government investment forms part of a broader $4.8 million spend in the 2021-22 Victorian Budget 2021/22 on initiatives supporting pre-service teachers, including the establishment of two new Teaching Academies of Professional Practice (TAPP) partnerships between schools and universities.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
"Every Victorian child deserves access to top-quality education, no matter where they live or what their background, and that's why we're investing in programs that deliver excellent teachers to the classrooms that need them most."
"We're thrilled to be helping place an extra 80 enthusiastic student teachers into government secondary schools across regional and rural areas and disadvantaged communities, where they will not only help our kids thrive but in turn receive the support and mentorship they need to become great school leaders."
