The ACT Government has expanded the Permit to Teach (PTT) program — an employment-based pathway for aspiring teachers in the ACT — to include teaching students from Charles Sturt University.
The program, introduced last year, enables final year teaching students to gain work experience in an ACT public school while earning around $75,000 a year and receiving six weeks paid placement leave. It is endorsed by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI).
“This program provides invaluable real-world experience to aspiring educators while offering them financial support through employment,” education minister Yvette Berry said.
The University of Canberra and the Australian Catholic University were the first two institutions to sign up. Last year, 61 Initial Teacher Education students registered for a Permit to Teach, “which was beneficial not only for them but also for our schools, who continue to face challenges due to the ongoing national teacher shortage,” Ms Berry said.
Alfred Deakin High School has several PTT teachers from last year, who, principal Brian Downton said, “have been an outstanding addition to our school. The opportunity for them to come in and teach while being supported by mentors, gives them a real springboard for success in our profession.
“As a school, we get to mentor, mould and work with exceptional emerging educators at the very beginning of their career. This is a tremendous opportunity which, during a teacher shortage, is all the more valuable.”
Two participants, now high school teachers, are Catherine Bui and Sam Carters.
“I believe the PTT program was a great opportunity and privilege to work on my craft while learning the most recent teaching strategies and programs,” Ms Bui said. “Being able to implement that as you’re learning it is a great opportunity.
“To be mentored by colleagues across the school was valuable in improving pedagogy and reflection on my practise.”
Mr Carters said: “The program enabled me, as a mature age student, to transition to my teaching career faster. Being paid to learn on the job meant that I could teach sooner. “I’d absolutely recommend final year teaching students sign up and get involved.”
