Transforming teachers' aides into Australia's future teachers

University
Charles Sturt University
Awards category
The Future Builder Award
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Project overview
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Australia faces a growing teacher shortage, particularly in regional andrural communities. Charles Sturt University's Collaborative Teacher's AidePathway (CTAP) is helping address the challenge by creating a new pathway intothe profession.

The program enables teachers' aides and school support staff to studyteaching online while remaining employed in their schools and communities. Byrecognising existing experience and providing tailored support, CTAP removesmany of the barriers that can prevent people from pursuing a teaching career.

Since launching in 2022, the program has grown to support 950 studentsacross Australia and achieved an 80 per cent retention rate, significantlyabove the sector average. Every graduate to date has secured employment as ateacher.

By helping experienced school staff becomequalified teachers, CTAP is strengthening the workforce and helping ensureregional communities have access to the educators they need.

Charles Sturt celebrates the first teacher’s aides to enrol as part of the CTAP program at a dedicated launch event. Pictured: CTAP Lead and Charles Sturt University Associate Professor of Education Dr Elizabeth Murray, then-teacher’s aide and current CTAP graduate Mrs Nikea Richardson, then-teacher’s aide and current CTAP graduate Mrs Justine Foley, then-school learning support officer and current CTAP graduate Mrs Cassandra Bourke, then-student assistant and current CTAP graduate Ms Tracy Tydd and Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renee Leon PSM and State Member for Dubbo the Hon Dugald Saunders.

CTAP students are ready to hit the ground running as they enter the next stage of their careers in education beyond graduation. Pictured: CTAP Graduate and current classroom teacher Mrs Justine Foley with Year 4 student Lachie Mules.

Industry and Charles Sturt leaders turned the sod together to officially mark the launch of the CTAP program. Pictured: Former Federal Member for Parkes Mr Mark Coulton, CTAP Lead and Charles Sturt University Associate Professor of Education Dr Elizabeth Murray, Regional Education Minister the Hon Fiona Nash, Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renee Leon PSM and State Member for Dubbo the Hon Dugald Saunders.

Students like Teaghan (pictured right) are able to first graduate with a Bachelor of Educational Studies before completing a Master of Teaching (Primary) or (Secondary) under the CTAP program. Pictured: CTAP Lead and Charles Sturt University Associate Professor of Education Dr Elizabeth Murray and Current First Nations CTAP student Ms Teaghan King.

CTAP graduate Ella reunites with Charles Sturt’s Libbey, showing off her very own classroom where she now teaches in Dubbo. Pictured: CTAP Lead and Charles Sturt University Associate Professor of Education Dr Elizabeth Murray with CTAP graduate and classroom teacher Ella McIntosh. Credit: Henry Denyer-Simmons

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