1500 state school teachers begin STEM training

More than 1500 state school teachers have this week hit the books to upskill in science and maths.

Education Minister Kate Jones said the training was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $3 million STEM professional development program available to all teachers.

“1502 teachers were accepted in round one to study one of seven online courses with Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology,” Ms Jones said.

“We were overwhelmed with applications for the professional development program with more than 2,500 teachers applying.

“That’s why from today we will open further registrations to give more teachers an opportunity to take part.”

Ms Jones said 500 teachers had signed up to upskill in coding and robotics – a priority area in our Advancing Education action plan.

“Teachers are critical to our success in building schools of the future and the STEM professional development program will ultimately benefit students as well,” she said.

“Keeping our teachers up to date with knowledge and understanding in delivering science, technology, engineering and mathematics will better prepare students to be global citizens, able to adapt to changing technologies.

“I’m proud of the commitment Queensland state school teachers have to professional development and continuous improvement, in order to provide a consistently high quality education for students.

“This program is supporting teachers deliver subjects such as Prep to Year 10 Digital Technologies, Primary Science, Year 7 to 9 Mathematics and Science, and Year 11 and 12 Mathematics B, Chemistry and Physics subjects.

Round one applicants commenced their studies yesterday and further offers will be made to existing applicants with Term 4 courses set to start on 4 October.

For more information including how to apply, visit: www.education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/employee/teachers/developing-our-teachers.html

Media: Matt Jutsum 0408 998 940