Victorian teachers have been encouraged to strengthen their knowledge and skills in inclusive education by applying for a place in one of two post-graduate courses.
The state government is behind the push, and said the two courses aim to increase inclusivity for students of all abilities.
“The Master of Inclusive Education program provides teachers with the chance to upskill at mainstream, specialist schools and supported inclusion schools, as well as deepen their knowledge and capacity to include, motivate and challenge students with disabilities and additional learning needs by focusing on their strengths,” the government said.
“The Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) program – which has been designed by the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education – helps teachers to understand the different types of learning difficulties and the interactions between them and build skills to influence change in their schools.”
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the call for teachers to engage in these courses was about making sure every child and young person in the state, regardless of circumstance, could meet their potential and access a good education.
“I encourage teachers to apply for a place in one of these two post-graduate courses to strengthen their knowledge and skills in inclusive education and continue supporting our students with disabilities and additional needs – ensuring they can thrive both at school and in life,” she said.
The government said teachers who undertake postgraduate study in inclusive education can make a significant contribution to how their schools plan and support students with disabilities and additional learning needs, “and with behaviours of concern using contemporary evidence-based, best practice approaches”.
“The long-term vision is for every Victorian government school to have a qualified practitioner on staff, creating and leading a more inclusive school environment for all students across the state, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds,” the government said.
The government said applications for both programs were now open.
There are 75 places available in the Master of Inclusive Education across seven universities – teachers working directly with students with disabilities and additional learning needs can apply here: education.vic.gov.au/inclusive-education.
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) also has 75 places available for semester two, starting in July 2023. Leading teachers, learning specialists and classroom teachers working directly with students with learning difficulties can apply here: education.vic.gov.au
