Leadership Development Program (Oct 2024)

Overview

Over two years, you will:

• Teach at one of our partner schools serving a low socioeconomic community while earning full salary and benefits
• Study a Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) through ACU on an assisted scholarship
• Receive dedicated one-on-one coaching and mentoring through a comprehensive network of support
• Bring your personal and professional experience to the classroom and make an impact on the next generation.

We take into consideration your personal circumstances to match you with a suitable partner school. Flexibility on your location preferences does increase your chances of placement.

About the Program

Be the change you want to see

It’s a sad reality that not every child in Australia has access to the education they deserve. Children from the lowest-income households are on average three years behind in school by the time they’re 15. We want to fight educational inequity – and make sure that any student who wants to learn can get access to world-class teachers. And we do that through people like you.

By working with Teach for Australia, you’ll be creating the change you want to see in the world – addressing social injustice around educational inequity while inspiring the next generation of students.

Our award-winning Leadership Development Program means you’ll work as a teacher in secondary school-level classes ranging from Year 7 to Year 12. You’ll get a full salary and benefits for two years, while also studying for a Master’s degree and receiving one-on-one coaching and mentoring.

Teaching to Lead

You’ll be teaching in subject areas that are directly related to your previous studies – whether you’ve just graduated or are more than 10 years out – and you’ll become part of a dedicated community committed to tackling educational inequity.

It’s not just the students who’ll benefit from your impact; you’ll develop and hone your leadership skills on a  personal, professional, and academic level. And after two years in the program, you’ll be an exceptional leader set up for contributing to society and the broader community. Your Teach for Australia experience will be a life-changing one.

Program Structure

Our 2-year program is made up of several components to make sure you’re well-supported and set up for success.

National Initial Intensive

Our program kicks off in November 2024 with a 6-week residential training program. It will fast-track you to prepare for and give you the foundations for entering the classroom. It’s here you’ll complete a portion of your Master’s and get to connect with peers from within your cohort and beyond.

Teaching & leadership development

Once you begin teaching in 2024, you’ll develop your teaching and leadership skills throughout the program through first-hand teaching experience, continuing your Master’s and one-on-one coaching and mentoring.

Earning your Master of Teaching

Delivered in partnership with ACU and embedded within the program. Associates will complete a nationally accredited and internationally recognised Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) in 2025. You’ll already be changing lives for the better by this time too!

Salary and Assisted Scholarship

Earn a full salary while you learn

You’ll earn while you learn too. Associates’ salaries are easily comparable to other graduate teachers and increase with experience and progression.

During the program, Associates are employed and paid by the relevant government department of education or school. So do keep in mind that salaries and other employment conditions will vary depending on the state, and territory of placement you teach in.

Most program costs are covered by Teach For Australia, in partnership with the Australian Government, on an assisted scholarship. But you will need to contribute a portion towards your Master’s degree, and there’s usually access to FEE-HELP for these payments available (eligibility requirements apply).

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for candidates with these 8 key attributes:

Leadership

Have you made meaningful contributions during university, extracurricular activities and/or work? Have you demonstrated leadership of people or processes in your endeavours?

Commitment to our vision and mission:

Are you eager to bring about change and make a difference in the lives of the students you teach? Do you passionately and actively believe in the power of education as a force for social justice?

Communication and influencing ability

Are you a clear and confident communicator? Are you able to influence and motivate others? Do you have maturity and presence? Are you an active listener?

Problem-solving

Are you able to think critically, analyse information and generate relevant solutions to problems? Can you adapt quickly to new information?

Organisational and planning ability

 Are you able to plan, organise and prioritise your activities effectively to meet deadlines?

Resilience

Got what it takes to work hard and show optimism when overcoming obstacles? Do you relish a challenge, and are you driven to succeed?

Humility, respect, and empathy

Do you operate with humility? Do you show respect and empathy towards others? Do you look for the best in the people around you?

Learning and self-evaluation

Are you open to learning from others and do you seek out opportunities to do so? Do you take ownership for development with regard to your own performance?

Coaching and Support

Welcome to the team

Teaching isn’t easy. It’s demanding of your time, experience, and patience. But for those up for the challenge – the rewards can truly be life-changing. Our program sets a high bar too but we set you up for success with a comprehensive network to support your professional development and to help maintain your health and well-being. You’ll be working with a great team of supporters including your:

Teaching and Leadership Adviser (TLA)

An experienced teacher who will provide rigorous one-on-one coaching, regular classroom observations and pastoral care to guide your development as a teacher and leader throughout the program.

ACU Academic Mentor

They will support and supervise your progress throughout the degree and guide your achievement of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

School Mentor

This is an experienced teacher at your placement school who will provide day-to-day practical support and help with integration into life at the school and within the local community.

Access to our national leadership collective

Become involved in the Teach For Australia community – our national network of leaders share best practices, and emotional support, and collaborate for change. Associates can also connect with the global network of leaders around the world as part of the Teach For All network, with ACU Student Services, and our Alumni so you can discuss international education and classroom best practices, school leadership, social innovation, and policy.