UTS students gaining experience as Associate Teachers
Scholarship program through Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese is helping UTS students gain valuable experience.
UTS School of Education students are taking part in a Teacher Scholarship Program through Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), giving them the opportunity to apply their learnings from UTS into a practical school environment while they study.
Image credit: CSDP. Zac Kemble.
“This program is aligned to research that shows that the earlier students are provided with such experience, the more classroom-ready they will be at the end of their degree,” says Jane Nethery, Early Talent Manager at CSPD.
The program was developed in response to current teacher shortages across Australia, encouraging Year 12 students at one of CSPD’s secondary schools who are interested in commencing a full time Primary or Secondary teaching degree at an Australian university to enrol.
“The scholarship program is a really good way of nurturing young teachers into the profession - and it’s great that UTS is part of it,” says Keith Heggart, Senior Lecturer, UTS School of International Studies and Education.
There are 101 students involved in the current cohort of scholarship holders, all having completed Year 12 at a CSPD school in 2023, 53% are studying primary education and 47% secondary education.
Students are supported over four years with professional development, employment opportunities, and mentoring provided.
The benefits of the program for students include:
- $5000 a year to help with university expenses
- A new Mac laptop
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Access to peer support, mentoring and coaching programs
- Opportunity to work part time as an Associate Teacher whilst studying
- The chance to apply for permanent employment in a CSPD school upon graduation.
UTS scholarship recipient Zac Kemble is working as an Associate Teacher one day a week at St John Paul II Schofields and says, “I’ve found the program super helpful in providing me the resources I need to get through university, such as a laptop, study pods, and money to assist with my HECS debt”.
As for studying at UTS, I’m enjoying how well structured the courses are, as I’m able to find where I’m up to in the course easily and find the relevant resources to cover each topic. The use of Canvas is the reason for this, a user-friendly platform that I’m already familiar with due to using it at my high school. The TA’s are very friendly and are always willing to help, providing me with an enjoyable uni experience.
CSPD are currently recruiting for the next 100 students to commence in 2025. More information on the scholarship program can be found here.
