The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s School-based Teacher Education Program (STEP) addresses key barriers for mid-career professionals in transitioning to a teaching career, by providing scholarship funding, paid employment in schools and a tailored learning experience as they study a Master of Primary or Master of Secondary Teaching degree.
The program is funded by a Department of Education .
Program participants or “Teaching Fellows”, will be employed in local ACT schools as Learning Support Assistants (LSA) in the first year of their degree and as teachers under a Permit to Teach (PTT) in their second year.
Fellows will also be awarded a $20,000 scholarship in their first year, supplementing their income as a part-time LSA to help address the reduction in income faced when transitioning from professional employment to full-time study.
Executive Dean of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s Faculty of Education, Professor Barney Dalgarno, hailed the program as an innovative solution to support prospective teachers in their study and career transition, while bolstering the education workforce of the ACT.
“Mid-career professionals have consistently demonstrated their high calibre as students within postgraduate teaching degrees, due to their life experience, workforce maturity and for many, experience as parents,” Professor Dalgarno said.
“As the newest ACT employment-based pathway STEP has been designed by specialists at the University, in consultation with industry stakeholders, to address the common barriers that professionals face in retraining as teachers.”
The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is a national leader in practice-based teacher training, STEP continues this legacy and takes it to a new level. In addition to on-the-job learning through employment in schools, STEP utilises tailored assessment, providing Fellows the opportunity to base their assignments on units of work, lesson plans, or student case studies, from their practice in schools.
Career and study support are crucial components for student success and are embedded into STEP through the provision of instructional coaches – experienced primary and secondary teachers – and mentors to address challenges and needs.
“STEP will provide a transition to teaching, well supported by a network of colleagues, a mentor, involved tutors and lecturers, who are largely former teachers themselves, and a flexible delivery mode, built around the practical skills they’re learning on the job,” Professor Dalgarno said.
Professor Dalgarno highlighted the benefits for the Canberra community.
“Teacher shortages are a major challenge in education, both nationally and internationally. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s School-based Teacher Education Program will ensure that educated, experienced individuals with an interest in becoming teachers, aren’t locked out of a fulfilling career due to financial or time constraints,” Professor Dalgarno said.
“The delivery of high-quality education in schools hinges on an empowered, educated and well-supported professional workforce of teachers. STEP exemplifies the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s ongoing commitment to education of all ages and stages in the ACT, and to the advancement of our city more broadly.”
For more information on STEP, visit the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ website.