A new scholarship will pave the way for aspiring career-changers try their hand at teaching.
Griffith University is one of two institutions selected to offer the Queensland Government’s ‘Turn to Teaching’ Internship Program.
Run though the Department of Education, it offers aspiring teachers financial support while they complete their post-graduate studies.
It is open to students enrolling in Griffith’s Master of Primary Teaching or Master of Secondary Teaching.
Scholarship winners will receive $20,000 in their first year of post-graduate study and full-time paid employment in an internship position at a Queensland state school with a reduced workload while completing their second year of study.
Master of Teaching student Rebecca Madsen
Griffith University Master of Primary Teaching student Rebecca Madsen headed back to university after more than 20 years in the corporate world.
Previously a marketing professional, becoming a parent made her re-evaluate her career goals.
“Although I had always enjoyed the fast pace, rigor and creativity of my corporate life as a marketing professional, becoming a parent inspired me to seek a more meaningful path,” she said.
“As it turns out, teaching can be pretty fast-paced, rigorous and creative too!
“I think mature aged teachers with previous life experience have so much to bring to the profession.”
Professor Donna Pendergast.
Head of Griffith University’s School of Education and Professional Studies, Professor Donna Pendergast, said the scholarship offered a life-changing opportunity for people keen to enter the teaching profession.
“We’re very proud to be selected as one of just two universities to offer this scholarship, and I think it reflects the quality of our programs,” she said.
“This scholarship offers a pathway for people who are potential career-changers, but haven’t been able to make the shift because of financial constraints.
“It inspires them to give teaching a go and move into a really meaningful and rewarding career.”
Professor Pendergast said the COVID pandemic had led many professionals to re-evaluate their career and enhanced the reputation of teaching.
“During COVID we’ve seen the status of the teaching profession increase and people value the work of teachers a little bit more.
“Parents who have been supervising learning at home have also had an opportunity to look at the learning that’s taking place and get a sense of what happens in the classroom.”
