Aspiring teachers will be paid to learn under a new program designed to fast-track quality candidates to teach priority subject areas in regional, rural and hard-to-staff metropolitan secondary schools.
The Monash teacher residency program, a partnership between Monash University’s Faculty of Education and the Victorian Department of Education, is an accelerated 18-month master of teaching course that will be offered in conjunction with paid work in secondary schools.
Faculty of Education dean professor Viv Ellis said the program aims to attract people with a background in mathematics, science, or languages who want to make a difference to society, one classroom at a time.
“The Monash teacher residency program is a great opportunity for people looking to change career or recent undergraduates who are keen to create positive change in school communities from a social justice and equity perspective, combining intensive work-based learning in a school with rigorous academic preparation,” Ellis said.
The program is set to start in January 2022 with 30 students who will be based in priority schools across Victoria and work as paraprofessionals while completing Monash’s master of teaching in secondary education.
Ellis further highland that the program is a model that has proven successful in the United States in the recruitment and retentions of teachers in hard-to-staff schools and districts.
“Teaching is a complex, challenging and rewarding profession and our residents will be fully supported along the way to learn and navigate their new career by Monash academics, mentor teachers and other staff. As a residency program, their curriculum will integrate school, individual and general professional learning needs,” Ellis said.
Coursework will be offered through a combination of online and onsite learning, with academic units, study and assessments integrated into the practical co-teaching work of the residents.
Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino said we all know the difference a great teacher can make.
“This is why we’re fast-tracking graduates into classrooms where they are needed most. This initiative will give aspiring teachers the opportunity to be paid while they train for local jobs, as well as delivering a pipeline of teachers for schools in outer-metropolitan, rural and regional areas,” Merlino said.
