Information for schools

We at Teach For Australia are passionate about ensuring young people across Australia have access to the highest quality education, and the opportunities that come from this, regardless of their ethnic, social or economic background.

Teach For Australia 'Associates' have come through a very rigorous selection process and will have attended intensive initial training prior to coming to your school. Throughout their two years in a school, they will receive ongoing teacher education, leading to their qualification with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Melbourne.

Like any new teacher, our Associates will look to experienced teachers for advice and support. They will be looking to contribute to and be full members of the wider school community. We thank you for your interest and your help in ensuring this program's success.

Melodie Potts Rosevear
CEO, Teach For Australia

How the program works

Teach For Australia Associates start their two year commitment with six weeks initial intensive training.
Throughout the two years, Associates receive ongoing training and support, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Melbourne
Associates are placed in schools for a two-year duration, teaching subjects related to their university studies, as approved by the VIT
Associates work 80% of a standard teacher's class load, to allow for time spent undertaking training (to gain their Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching), and receiving support from mentors
Each Associate is paired with an in-school mentor, an experienced teacher in the relevant subject area, who provides support and advice and has undertaken mentor training delivered by the University of Melbourne. In-school mentors will have 10% of their class load reduced in the Associate's first year, to ensure they are able to spend sufficient time together
An Educational Adviser appointed by the University of Melbourne and Teach For Australia regularly visits Associates to provide further support and practical advice. The in-school mentor and Educational Adviser liaise closely to assess the Associate's progress
The program has drawn on the best elements of successful international models, and has been developed through extensive consultation across the local education community
Teach For Australia Associates are rigorously screened, high-calibre recent graduates. They will provide energy, creativity and valuable subject and discipline expertise to benefit student learning, and relieve pressure on existing staff

Common questions from schools

How were the Associates selected?
Our Associates have undergone a targeted and rigorous nationwide selection process. We seek graduates with a record of leadership and achievement, demonstrated respect and humility, and strong communication and influencing skills. To date, approximately 10% of candidates who apply for the program have been offered Associate positions.

Are the Associates qualified?
All our Associates have recently excelled in a Bachelor's degree. Some will also have completed postgraduate studies or worked in other fields. Associates are working towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and complete an initial intensive period of the course before starting in your school.

How many Associates will we have?
We place Associates in clusters of at least 2. This allows them to provide extra support for one another and contribute more fully to the school community.

Are Associates taking the place of qualified teachers?
Associates are placed either in vacancies identified by your school or as additional resources in areas of need. Schools are not required to choose Associates over other potential candidates for existing vacancies, and it is not necessary to replace contract staff with Associates.

What happens after the two years?
Associates commit to teaching for two years in their placement school. On successful completion of the program they gain qualification and full teacher registration with the VIT, allowing them to continue in the classroom if they wish. Based on international experience, we expect roughly 50% to stay in the teaching profession long term. Those who choose to pursue other careers will be supported by Teach For Australia to contribute to addressing educational disadvantage in a range of ways.

Further information

Please email schools@teachforaustralia.org or phone (03) 8640 4514 with any queries or expressions of interest.