New earn as you learn teaching pathway for career changers and high achievers at ECU

First published by Edith Cowan University

The Federal Government and Edith Cowan University (ECU) have launched an exciting new employment-based pathway where eligible students will be paid while attaining teaching qualifications to tackle Australia's teacher shortage.

It's called the High Achieving Teachers program, and it starts in Semester 1, 2025.

"We are delighted to be the only Western Australian university to offer the HAT program at ECU. It allows recent non-teaching graduates and career changers looking for something rewarding the opportunity to attain a Master of Teaching while earning an income," ECU School of Education, Executive Dean, Professor Caroline Mansfield said.

"ECU is responsible for delivering more than half of Western Australia's teachers; however we need more, and this is an innovative way of boosting the number of people entering the profession."

Enhancing theory-practice connections

Successful applicants in ECU's new HAT program will study one of three Master of Teaching courses, in either Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary Education.

Unlike the existing coursework schedule for these master's degrees, eligible students' study will be structured around the four Western Australian school terms.

"We know this will better align with school needs and in doing so has the potential to enhance theory-practice connections," Professor Mansfield said.

"It also allows for a more convenient transition for those participants with school-age children who won't be expected to work during the school holidays."

Earn as you learn

HAT program students will be paid while studying and start work in a classroom from year one.

They will be placed in one of ECU's HAT partnership schools, either public, Catholic or an independent school.

The program is open to people with a Bachelor degree who are interested in making the switch from their current field into teaching.

This applies to:

• recent graduates who hold a non-teaching degree
• final year students who expect to graduate with a non-teaching degree in 2024
• people wanting to switch career to teaching

"We are looking for people with strong undergraduate results and there will be some emphasis on graduates who have studied STEM courses.

"We will also consider applicants' personal qualities to assess their suitability, as teaching is a highly personal profession," Professor Caroline Mansfield added.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can head to the High Achieving Teachers program webpage.