SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING TEACHERS

Year 12 students living in rural or remote Queensland who aspire to be teachers in rural and remote areas are encouraged to apply for a State Government scholarship.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today called for applications for the 2008 Bid O’Sullivan Teaching Scholarships.

“Up to five scholarships worth a maximum of $20,000 - or $2,500 a semester over four years - are available in 2008,” Mr Welford said.

“The Government developed the scholarship program in 1999 to support the placement of quality teachers throughout the state, including rural and remote locations.

“The scholarships are available to current Year 12 students who receive an OP of 10 or higher and select teaching as their first QTAC preference.

“Students who graduated in 2006 and gained a university placement in an education degree course in 2007 but then deferred their studies are also eligible to apply.

“The students must be from rural and remote areas and be prepared to work as teachers in these areas initially after finishing university.”

Mr Welford said the scholarship program was named in honour of Bridget O’Sullivan who was the first teacher of the School of Air in Queensland.

“The scholarships provide financial assistance to help students gain a degree in education at a recognised Queensland university,” he said.

“Since their inception eight years ago, the scholarships have assisted more than 50 recipients with their teaching studies.”

Scholarship holders are guaranteed employment with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts following successful completion of their degree and an assessment for teaching purposes.

Applications close 15 October 2007 with successful applicants offered a scholarship in December, conditional on them gaining entry into a teaching degree at a Queensland university.

More information about the Bid O’Sullivan Teaching Scholarships can be found online at http://education.qld.gov.au/students/grants/scholarships/index.html

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000