CDU’s major investment to boost number of school teachers

More than 290 Charles Darwin University (CDU) teaching students will complete their initial teacher courses this year, making them eligible for teacher registration.

Of those who completed their degrees, 159 studied and undertook placements in the Northern Territory.

The successful completion of placements as part of their four-year degree means more teachers will be industry-ready to meet workforce needs.

CDU made considerable investments in school placements this year. By working closely with the school system, the university significantly increased the number of placements when compared with the previous year.

In 2021 there were 923 placements in NT Government teaching schools as well as independent and Catholic schools, compared with just 423 placements in 2020.

CDU Dean, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Professor Ruth Wallace, said she is pleased so many new CDU-trained educators are entering education systems in the NT and Australia-wide.

“The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive,” Professor Wallace said.

“Schools are pleased with the high calibre and preparedness of CDU-trained teachers who are ready to provide quality experiences for students.”

NT Department of Education, Chief Executive, Karen Weston said close coordination between the NT Department of Education and CDU was one of the keys to success.

“We are so pleased to see so many graduate teachers entering the workforce with first-hand experience of working in the Northern Territory,” Ms Weston said.

“Our close partnership with CDU is delivering a high calibre of work-ready graduates who will continue to learn and grow to become quality leaders in Territory schools.”  

The recent Quality Initial Teacher Education Review 2021 Discussion Paper highlighted that 90 per cent of teachers find full-time employment in some courses within four months of graduating.