Outstanding Graduates To Make A Difference In Victorian Schools

Up to sixty-five of our best and brightest university graduates, from across a range of fields including law, economics and science, will bring their diverse skills to classrooms across Victoria next year as part of the Teach For Australia program.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the Department of Education and Training will support next year’s cohort of talented young ‘associates’.

Since 2010, the Victorian Government has committed more than $12.9 million to the program, which develops high-calibre graduates to become teachers and places them into secondary schools in disadvantaged areas.

The announcement was made at Mill Park Secondary College, one of the many Victorian schools to have benefitted from the diversity of experience brought by associates, having employed 24 student teachers from previous cohorts.

Candidates, selected for their commitment to reducing educational disadvantage as well as their exceptional levels of academic achievement, study a Master of Teaching at Deakin University, which is partially completed before they enter classrooms to teach for at least two years.

Associates receive mentoring support throughout their two-year placement from Teach For Australia teaching and leadership advisers, Deakin University academic mentors and other teachers in school at participating schools, including Mill Park SC.

The program, now in its sixth year, has shown its capacity to create exemplary teachers and future leaders. It has also demonstrated a fundamental commitment to addressing educational disadvantage – a key measure in transforming Victoria into the Education State.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has a great local school and every child gets the chance to succeed.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The Labor Government is committed to addressing educational disadvantage. We’re proud to partner with a program that shares the same drive and I wish this year’s associates all the best with their future endeavours in the classroom.”

“We’re working to ensure our education system gives every Victorian the opportunity to be their best, regardless of background or economic circumstances.”

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our teachers are some of the most dedicated and passionate professionals in the workforce. We welcome innovative ways of encouraging even more high-achieving individuals to their ranks.”

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