La Trobe University's unique Nexus program has produced its first group of classroom ready secondary school teachers.
Nexus is La Trobe's first-of-its kind pathway into Secondary teaching that offers a unique and practical way for people to transition from other careers into the teaching profession by working in real schools.
Nexus Director Professor Jo Lampert said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have graduated our first cohort of Nexus students. Our aim was to prepare teachers for employment in rural, regional and low socioeconomic schools around Victoria - there's no better way to prepare future teachers than by allowing them to learn on-the-ground".
In their first year, students work part time in schools and receive direct mentoring opportunities and professional development. Second year Nexus participants become full-time paraprofessionals in their school, with a 0.8 teaching load and their own class while they study.
"We feel that it's important to build the teaching profession by producing classroom-ready graduates who are equipped and have a passion to work in communities that really need them. Some of our graduates have already secured full time jobs," Professor Lampert said.
Nexus is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers Program with the support of the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. La Trobe University also acknowledges the support of the Victorian Department of Education and Training. The program enables carefully selected participants to work as Education Support Class Employees in rural, regional, and low socio-economic schools, while they complete their Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Mildura-based Hannah Lynch chose Nexus because she wanted to become a teacher but needed an income while studying.
"I was working as a full-time veterinarian before I enrolled in Nexus. I always wanted to be a teacher, but the commitment of returning to full-time study as a mature age student would be difficult. Nexus allowed me to study while working in my new profession at the same time.
"Plus, the fact that I was situated in a school environment and received additional mentor supervision from the Nexus program and the school from the very beginning made the experience so valuable and rich. I had a great experience and I've even landed a job at my Nexus school for next year in Red Cliffs".
The next intake for Nexus begins in February. Professor Lampert said people from diverse communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply for Nexus, visit this link.
Media Officer: Madeline Walker, 0487 448 734, [email protected]
