Frequently asked questions - Teach For Australia

Why does the Future Leaders Program exist?

The Australian education system is struggling to provide an excellent and equitable education for all young people. With student outcomes persistently below minimum standards and communities facing multiple compounding factors of disadvantage, Regional Rural and Remote schools (RRR), in particular, need leadership support.

In response to these challenges, the Future Leaders Program (FLP) was announced as part of the Australian Government’s ‘Our Plan for Quality Education’ released on 10 May 2019.

Schools in RRR communities face unique demands, such as limited access to support services and challenges in attracting and retaining staff. In these schools, the pipeline of ready school leaders is declining.

The FLP tests a new approach to these challenges by fostering the ambitions and potential of participating teachers, and developing their skills and aptitude for the challenging yet rewarding roles of school leadership.

Is this program right for me?

The Future Leaders Program is designed to assist early career teachers who are at the beginning of their leadership journey. Through mentored, structured leadership opportunities and workshops we aim to support you to start to make the first steps on the leadership ladder. The program is most suited to those who have a good grasp of the skills needed to make a successful classroom leader and who would benefit from tailored mentoring as they look to transition into roles with more responsibility.

This program is not designed for established team or people leaders, we recommend reaching out to the leadership institute in your jurisdiction to understand the programs that will help you reach your goals.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must be a K-12 teacher who:

Is a classroom teacher with at least 2 years experience
Works in an outer regional or remote school in Western Australia* with ICSEA** below 1000; and
Aspires towards a school leadership role

If you have finished the TFA Leadership Development Program, you are eligible for the program.

All applications are based on a case by case basis. If you are interested in the program, but are concerned about your eligibility, please get in touch so we can discuss your situation further.

Why are you only focusing on regionally and remote locations?

Australia is vast, diverse and has many and varied opportunities and challenges to tackle nationally – an equitable education is certainly one of these. As a pilot program, the Future Leaders will begin in its first year in states and territories that have greater proportions of outer regional and remote populations.

We aim to build and strengthen partnerships with other regional, rural and remote states and territories in the future, so that we can expand FLP’s reach and impact.

What does the program consist of?

The program consists of workshops, 1:1 coaching, peer to peer learning and networking opportunities.

The program has been designed to be rigorous, not onerous. We aim for the experience to align closely with your day to day activities, development priorities and complement the work you are doing.

For Cohort 2021, workshops are scheduled for (note these are subject to slight regional variation TBC):

First intensive (Virtual): Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 18 2021
Mid-year face-to-face intensive: Wednesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 17 2021
Final face-to-face intensive: Thursday, September 16 – Friday, September 17 2021

These sessions will run virtually and in-region where face-to-face delivery applies.

I have a holiday booked over one of the 2021 program intensives. Can I still apply?

To successfully complete FLP we require you to attend at least eight of nine workshop days – this is because this where a lot of the learning takes place, as well as the opportunity to apply it with the FLP team and the rest of your cohort.

We understand that life happens and will support you the best we can but if you know you’ll be away one of our intensives and you can’t reschedule your holiday plans (we recognise that taking a break is important too!) we recommend that you hold off and consider applying for our 2022 cohort instead.

What is the cost of the Future Leaders Program?

Participants for the 2021 Cohort will be offered a full scholarship, therefore will incur no costs to partake. Any travel required will be covered by the program itself.

For Schools – a stipend is available to help cover the cost of the 4-5 days of time release needed for face to face workshops.

Why does the Principal have to endorse my application?

It is important that you apply with your Principal’s support as the program contains an element of time release that your Principal must agree too. Additionally, your Principal will also consent to you participating in an innovation project where you test your leadership whilst working towards a school priority.

When does the program begin?

The program runs for the duration of the 2021 academic year. During the first term, we will hold events virtually so you immerse yourself into the school year.

During term 1, you will:

Connect with your coach 2-3 times
Establish relationships with those participants in your region
Collect data and begin to design your innovation project

Can I see the program overview?

The program is currently in the final design phase. The leadership framework and program sequence will be available at the end of November.

What does the selection process involve?

The application and selection activities are designed to highlight what you excel at, so we can work with you to develop your unique skill set further – it is not a competitive process.

The application/selection process involves 5 steps:

Online application form

Virtual Selection Centre

Strengths test

Group debrief

Connection with coach

You can learn more about what involved in each of these steps here.

On the application form you asked for a series of lesson plans, what must be included?

We are looking at what you think about when you plan your lessons. We understand as you become more experienced, your physical plans become less detailed. Please ensure the information you attach covers the goal of your lessons, the activities your students will participate in and any assessments you conduct during the lesson.

If you would like to discuss this further please email info@futureleadersprogram.org.au

Is the Selection process competitive?

The selection process is a diagnostic process not a competitive one. We use the activities to get an understanding of your current ability and skills. We then use the results to tailor your experience and coaching in the program. Therefore we encourage you to be honest and open in your responses.

When do applications close?

The application deadline is currently scheduled to close on Tuesday December 1st. However, we do have limited spaces and may close the application earlier should we reach our capacity.

Why is the Future Leaders Program only offered in certain states and territories?

We aim to build and strengthen partnerships with other regional, rural and remote states and territories in the future, so that we can expand FLP’s reach and impact. If you would like to stay informed, please fill out this form and the team will look forward to keeping you updated!

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

If you are still a bit unsure or after some further information a member of the Future Leaders Program Team would be happy to chat to you! Please drop us a line here or give us a call on +61 3 8640 4500 and we’ll be in touch soon.

The Future Leaders Program is delivered with the support of the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.