First-time partnership to boost national teaching workforce

Charles Darwin University (CDU) will play a key role in a national initiative to boost teacher numbers courtesy of a first-time partnership with education charity, Teach for Australia (TFA).

CDU will provide 75 Commonwealth Supported Places in conjunction with TFA wrap-around support to allow Bachelor of Education Secondary students to train and earn while they learn.

The students will be guaranteed paid employment in TFA partnered schools for two years as education support staff and transition to teaching as paraprofessionals from their third year.

The partnership follows TFA receiving support from the Federal Government’s High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program, which provides financial assistance, mentoring and targeted preparation to enable teachers to enter the classroom well-equipped for the future. 

“The 75 places at CDU in collaboration with TFA allows us to work towards addressing teacher shortages in rural and remote areas, with a strong focus on supporting First Nations communities,” said CDU Associate Professor in Education Dr Lisa Papatraianou. 

“This initiative also strengthens the university’s role as an important regional initial teacher education provider, enabling us to strengthen school partnerships nationwide.”

Dr Papatraianou said the Bachelor of Education Secondary will be delivered 100 per cent online with a flexible structure that will enable students to balance their studies with work. 

For students who have not completed secondary schooling, there is also a pathway into the course through CDU’s Tertiary Enabling Program.

“Delivering the Bachelor of Education Secondary 100 per cent online allows preservice teachers the flexibility to work in a school while they study, gaining hands-on experience in a real classroom from the beginning of their studies while working as student support officers,” explained Dr Papatraianou.

“The teachers-in-training will also be networking with other students studying at CDU and those in this specialised employment-based pathway program and will be able to collaborate with peers from different regions, enhancing their learning experience.”

“I would strongly encourage Territorians completing Year 12 or those considering a career change to pursue this pathway, as it offers the flexibility to study while working and equips them to meet local educational needs through culturally relevant and responsive teaching."