Schools across the country have received an influx of new teachers ready to inspire young minds as they step into classrooms as part of Teach For Australia (TFA)’s Leadership Development Program.
The two-year study-employment pathway program has placed 170 new teachers, known as ‘Associates’, into secondary schools across Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and – for the first time – New South Wales this year, with a focus on the areas where school workforce needs are greatest.
Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program recruits exceptional graduates and career changers who are passionate about igniting potential in young Australians and fighting for educational equality.
Teach For Australia CEO Melodie Potts Rosevear warmly welcomed the ‘Cohort 2023’ Associates to the program, noting this is TFA’s 14th year of delivering high-calibre people to help meet school workforce needs.
This year’s cohort brings diverse perspectives from at least 46 different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and skills and expertise from 19 different industries – with nearly two-thirds (63%) coming as career changers who bring additional professional experience to their new teaching job. Of the 170 Associates, 65% have relocated interstate to serve areas most affected by teacher shortages and 40% are qualified to teach various STEM subjects.
“Being able to inspire young people at critical points in their life, such as their secondary school years, is an incredible opportunity – it can put a student on a different path and completely transform their future. That’s the power of a great teacher: they can make a profound, positive and lifelong impact,” Ms Potts Rosevear said.
In addition to completing their Master of Teaching, Associates also receive coaching and mentoring throughout the program to accelerate their professional development, all while teaching subjects that directly relate to their previous careers and Bachelor degree studies.
“The Leadership Development Program is helping schools across the country access additional teachers who bring expert knowledge and honed skills from their respective fields, and this year’s cohort offers a wealth of information and experience from industries spanning government, engineering, business, academia, creative arts, not-for-profit, law, science, health and more,” Ms Potts Rosevear said.
Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program has attracted over 1450 new teachers to the profession since 2010, positively impacting more than 531,258 students at over 276 secondary schools.
Associates are recruited through a rigorous application and selection process before their skills and subject expertise are matched with existing teacher vacancies in partner schools. As part of the program, Associates complete a Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) with Australian Catholic University. Alumni data reveals 84 per cent continue to teach and lead in schools or work with other education-focused organisations after finishing the two-year program.
“Teach For Australia is committed to tackling the country’s educational disadvantage as our teachers work to provide students with a nurturing learning environment, filled with chances to be curious and creative during their formative years,” Ms Potts Rosevear said.
“We look forward to seeing how our 170 new teachers will impact over 27,500 students over the next two years and beyond as a result of their dedication to teaching and inspiring young minds.”
TFA’s program has students at the heart of its vision: an Australia where education gives every child greater choice for their future.
“If being a source of inspiration is the spark that you’re looking for in your day-to-day job, start your application for Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program today,” urged Ms Potts Rosevear.
Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers Program with the support of the Australian Government and Commonwealth Department of Education. Teach For Australia also acknowledges the funding support of the governments of New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
