SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS TO BOOST TEACHER NUMBERS

The Beattie Government will offer up to 35 scholarships for primary teaching graduates to become state school special education teachers.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the $140,000 pilot program was aimed at addressing a teacher shortage in the special education area.

“It’s hoped this trial will help restore the balance, as currently there’s an over-supply of primary trained teachers and an under-supply of special education qualified teachers,” Mr Welford said.

“The scholarships, of up to $4000 each, will cover the course costs for primary trained graduates and teachers to undertake a graduate certificate in special education in semester two this year.

“We are specifically targeting recent, high-quality graduates who don’t have permanent employment.

“Existing permanent primary teachers can also apply.

“Teachers who complete the graduate certificate will be guaranteed a teaching position from the beginning of 2008 within a special education unit, class or special school.”

Griffith University, the University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast will deliver the course.

“Schools will assist in the selection, mentoring and induction of the scholarship holders,” Mr Welford said.

“We will be monitoring the progress of the trial scholarship program, with the possibility that the model could be adapted to provide staffing solutions in other speciality areas of demand in the future.”

Scholarship information can be accessed via the Department of Education, Training and the Arts website: www.education.qld.gov.au/hr/recruitment/teaching/scholarships.html

The closing date for applications is 29 June 2007.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 32371000 or 0419 734 985