Applications are open for university graduates from throughout Victoria with an interest in social justice to be paid to train to become Secondary teachers as part of the NEXUS Program.
NEXUS participants receive mentoring, support and a teacher aide salary while learning on the job at schools experiencing teacher shortages.
Professor Jo Lampert said the University aims to attract applicants with a strong commitment to their communities with an emphasis on those seeking placements in regional, rural and low socio-economic areas in Victoria.
“This is a great opportunity not only for those individuals wishing to pursue a teaching career, but also for historically hard-to-staff schools in our community to attract enthusiastic new staff who are passionate about learning,” said Professor Lampert, who directs the Nexus Masters of Teaching (Secondary).
“NEXUS graduates will receive mentoring in their first two years as a teacher and will provide a boost to Victoria’s rural and low socio-economic education workforce,” Professor Lampert said.
Applicants must meet the standard entrance criteria for teaching, with other factors considered including:
- A demonstrated passion for social justice
- A culturally diverse background, with graduates from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and non-English speaking backgrounds, with disabilities and from rural communities strongly encouraged to apply
- Knowledge in high-needs areas, such as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and Special Education
Professor Lampert said 40 NEXUS students will commence their studies in 2020, and another 40 in 2021.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan announced the program in April.
For further information: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/school-education/nexus-program
Media Contact: Kathryn Powley | k.powley@latrobe.edu.au | 03 9479 3491 | 0456 764 371
