Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Teach for Australia

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (09:51): My members statement today is about my visit, with my colleagues Ms Hermans and Dr Bach, to Clyde Secondary College. I acknowledge the amazing work of the principal there, Konnie Prades. The reason for our visit was to spend time with Teach for Australia associates named Josh and Cameron. They have different life stories. Josh is fresh out of university and keen to take on a role in teaching but wanted to have that support of being able to work and do his masters. Cameron has had a number of careers, has a number of degrees and is also looking to use his life skills and his knowledge as a father to go into the teaching profession.

Deb Cole, Jesse and Brianne from Teach for Australia do an amazing job. Jesse is very much a mentor, a hands-on support for those teachers in the classroom – those brand new trainee associate teachers – and Deb Cole coordinates. Deb had the very important conversation with us about how Teach for Australia has been running for 14 years across Australia, with about 80 associates now. They have got an 85 per cent track record of people going through that program and staying in education or education-style roles. A fantastic outcome, and I congratulate them and the school.