Funding for Placements

Here's a great way to get your teaching career off to a flying start: the NSW Department of Education and Training's 2011 Teacher Education Scholarship Program is now open for applications.

Whether you're completing your HSC, studying a relevant course at university, or working in another field and considering a career change, a teaching scholarship will get you on your way.

This year, up to 300 scholarships are available for talented students to train as teachers in secondary maths, science or English, and in special education (K-12).

At least 80 of these scholarships are available exclusively for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students to train as teachers in primary or any secondary subject.

As a scholar, you'll receive a $5,000 annual training allowance while studying full time for a teaching qualification. When you complete your studies, you are guaranteed permanent employment in a NSW public school in an agreed location and awarded a further $3,000 to assist with expenses such as relocation costs.

Over four years, the duration of most education degrees, you will receive $23,000 to spend as you wish.

As a teacher you are also eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit from the Commonwealth Government worth up to $1,558.50 per annum following graduation.

Applications are still being accepted. For further information:

NSW Department of Education and Communities Rural and/or Metropolitan Professional Experience Opportunities

VIC DET Department's Student Teacher Practicum Scheme

The Scheme provides preservice teachers with financial incentives to undertake placements (minimum of 3 weeks) in rural and outer metropolitan schools. While priority is given to preservice teachers in their final year, access to the two types of allowances under the Scheme is available to students in their penultimate year.

Each year there is sufficient funding for 260 Living Away From Home Allowances and approximately 40 Travel Allowances. Full details, including application forms are available here.

Preservice teachers should submit applications as soon placements are arranged. Allowances are available for placements in 2011, including terms 1 and 2.

Communication between the Department and placement officers continues to be positively received. This will continue in 2011 with placement officers periodically advised of student applications and their status. Should you have any queries please contact Jillian Starr by telephone at 1800 641 943 (and select option 1) or email Student Teacher Practicum.

CSU Professional Placement Equity Scholarships

For more information and to apply for the PPEG via the online application form, please visit the Professional Placement Equity Grant web site.

Pathways from Education to Experience to Employment (E3)

The E3 Program at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Higher Education project.

The program enables students from outside the region to come to the Mid North Coast area to refine their skills and gain experience in a regional/rural area.

The program aims to give valuable work experience along with the long-term goal of increasing local employment outcomes, assisting students to be 'work-ready'. There are currently host organisations on the Mid Coast in a variety of disciplines (accounting, marketing, engineering to name a few) but the program is looking to expand on this base.

For more information go to the E3 program website or email Ms Emmy Graham.