Applications for a new scholarship that aims to boost the number of teachers in Tasmania close on Friday, 1 December.
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has partnered with the Tasmanian Government to offer a financial incentive of up to $31,000. The Teach Tasmania Scholarship is now available to eligible Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching students studying full-time at the University of Tasmania from 2024.
Data from the Teachers’ Registration Board Tasmania shows that, as of, 31 December 2022, there were 11, 862 registered teachers in Tasmania. Earlier this year, media reports indicated around 80 teaching positions across Tasmanian state schools were vacant – a problem that saw many schools forced to run split classes and struggle to find much-needed relief teachers to replace sick or absent staff.
Financial support lays foundation for an educational future
Teach Tasmania supports students in challenging circumstances to enter the Bachelor of Education, while also supporting high-achieving graduates into the Master of Teaching.
“We know there is strong interest in teaching as a career, but also that the cost of relocation, accommodation and living away from home might discourage some students from enrolling, particularly if they live in regional areas,” Tasmanian Minister for Education, Children, and Youth Roger Jaensch said. “These scholarships aim to reduce those barriers.”
Fifty Teach Tasmania Scholarships are on offer – initially to eligible students already enrolled in the Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching in 2023, or who have applied to these courses for 2024.
The scholarship aims to reduce cost-of-living pressures for students by supporting relocation and accommodation costs.
“Tasmania needs teachers,” UTAS School of Education Head Professor Victoria Carrington said. “Teachers change the lives of the students in their classrooms every day. Being a teacher gives you the opportunity to share your passion for a subject or for learning with young people and colleagues and really make a difference. We are keen to welcome students from a range of diverse backgrounds to come to UTAS to study to be a teacher.”
To apply for the scholarship, Tasmanian residents must undertake their placements in Tasmanian public schools and study full-time for the duration of their degree.
