The state government announced that applications are open for a new initiative that will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, including those living in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, to begin or return to teaching.
The government announced on Friday, July 12, that registrations are open for the Aspiring Koorie Teachers Now (AKT Now) initiative.
This program will fund $13.6 million towards attracting and retaining new or returning First Nations teachers to the education sector.
Participants will be supported to either gain qualifications through a certificate IV in school based education support, or in gaining postgraduate teaching qualifications.
They will also be employed in a Victorian government school as an education support or teaching paraprofessional for up to two years.
Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins said that the program will greatly benefit participating teachers and schools.
“First Nations people are the original storytellers and teachers in Victoria. Increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers in Victoria can only be a good thing for our young people,” Ms Hutchins said.
The program is delivered in partnership with Koorie Education, the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), other Koorie organisations, Initial Teacher Education, and VET providers.
The state is seeking expressions of interest from schools interested in hosting participants as education support staff.
Schools interested can request more information from the department of education.
Contact: marrung@education.vic.gov.au
