Philanthropy spotlight: Stan Perron Charitable Foundation partnership supporting WA schools

Since 2021, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation has supported Teach For Australia (TFA) to bring more great teachers into classrooms across Western Australia, where they’re needed most.

In many parts of WA, a student’s access to education still depends on where they grow up.

“Student attendance drops in very remote WA communities. According to the Productivity Commission’s Annual Report on Government Services, some schools record rates as low as around 65%, compared to over 80% in metropolitan areas,” said Matt Smith, TFA Head of Philanthropy.

“Regional and remote schools are also among the hardest to staff. Many areas struggle to attract experienced, fully qualified teachers, especially in specialist subjects. By supporting the professional coaching and mentoring of our WA-based teachers, these communities are taught by teachers with the skills and guidance needed to succeed.”

Funding from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation enables us to recruit, train and retain teachers in WA through the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The funding also supports teacher wellbeing, helping them stay and succeed in the classroom. While teaching, participants complete a Master of Teaching (Secondary), combining hands-on experience with academic study.

When teachers feel well and supported, students benefit. Stronger teacher wellbeing leads to greater consistency in the classroom, stronger relationships and better learning environments.

This includes access to Greater Space, a specialist partner focused on the mental health and wellbeing of educators. Founded by TFA alumnus Benji Gersh (LDP 2011), he understands the challenges educators face. TFA teachers can access up to four sessions per term to reduce stress, build resilience and feel less isolated.

As one teacher reflected:

“High-quality sessions, incredibly supportive conversations. If I had this from the start of the program, I would be much better off and so would my school and students.”

As a result, more teachers are stepping into classrooms where they can make a real difference. In these communities, a great teacher does more than deliver lessons. They build trust. They help students feel seen and capable. They help young people imagine futures they may not have thought possible.

This year, 19 first-year TFA teachers began their journey in WA. A further 30 second-year teachers continued in classrooms across the state.

Through our LDP, teachers receive ongoing coaching from TFA Teaching and Leadership Coaches, including school visits and virtual mentoring tailored to individual needs.

Teachers also come together twice a year in Perth for three-day professional learning events. These sessions build skills, encourage shared learning and strengthen connections.

For Amy Brookes, a first-year Science and Food Technology teacher at Pinjarra Senior High School, the experience has felt personal. “I grew up in a regional area and always loved that sense of community,” Amy said.

“The school I’m at now is a true country school. There are lots of family connections and generations who have attended. Knowing my neighbours and feeling part of a school that has educated local families for years has been incredibly meaningful.”

Thank you

We’re deeply grateful to the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for your commitment to educational equity. Your generosity is helping more students in regional and remote WA see what their future could be.

For more information on supporting our work, please contact Olivia Oh at philanthropy@teachforaustralia.org