Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino has announced $1.3 million to go towards an additional 80 Teach for Australia student teachers into schools serving low-socioeconomic areas.
The employment based pathway initiative sees intern teachers with subject area knowledge complete their Master of Teaching (Professional Practice) with Australian Catholic University while on two-year placements at government secondary schools in regional, rural and disadvantaged communities.
These intern teachers, known as associates, receive coaching from teaching and leadership advisers and mentors as they attain their qualification.
Teach for Australia was established in 2010 to help break the cycle of educational inequality through the provision of high-quality teachers and leaders to schools in need, with the aim of giving all students the same opportunities to excel. Victoria was the first state to partner with the not-for-profit organisation.
Merlino said every Victorian child deserves access to top-quality education, no matter where they live or their background.
“We’re thrilled to be helping place an extra 80 enthusiastic student teachers into government secondary schools across regional and rural areas and disadvantaged communities, where they will not only help our kids thrive but in turn receive the support and mentorship they need to become great school leaders,” he said.
Since 2010, over 600 associates have been placed in more than 100 government secondary schools across the state.
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