More than 20 Teach For Australia Associates who are about to start teaching across North East Victoria have come together in Shepparton for a week of intensive learning ahead of Term 1.
The new teachers are part of TFA’s two-year Leadership Development Program and will complete their Master’s while teaching at secondary schools across the region during the next two years.
The new Associates began their coursework late last year and came together at Greater Shepparton Secondary College as part of the Summer Semester, putting what they’ve learned so far into local context.
It’s also a chance for them to connect with other regionally-based Associates who started the program last year, as well as graduates of the program.
Victorian State Manager Philippa Williams said TFA was grateful to Greater Shepparton Secondary College for generously providing its facilities for the intensive learning event and to run practical sessions in a school environment.
“Greater Shepparton Secondary College is one of our valued partner schools,” she said.
“In total we have placed 42 teachers in Shepparton secondary schools since 2010 – and we look forward to placing more in the coming years to work alongside the passionate and outstanding teachers and principals already in the region.”
Ms Williams said TFA’s program is the country’s leading employment-study pathway into teaching and aims to break the cycle of educational inequity in Australia.
The two-year program recruits and trains high-calibre career changers and graduates who teach in communities where workforce needs are greatest, while undertaking their Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) with Australian Catholic University.
The Associates are supported with coaching and mentoring to accelerate their professional development.
“Great teachers change lives, and the Leadership Development Program offers an opportunity for career changers and graduates to study while making a positive impact for local students from day one,” Philippa said.
“In fact, applications for the 2024 intake of the program will open on 13 February – so if you’re passionate about creating lasting social change by helping to fight educational inequity, I encourage you to get in touch.”
