Scholarships open doorways into teaching

Thirty-nine Queenslanders are the recipients of annual scholarship and grant programs that draw exceptional people from diverse backgrounds into teaching.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships, Step into Teaching Scholarships and Aspiring Teacher Grants attracted candidates to teaching and offered financial support for their studies.

“This year 11 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships of up to $20,000 were awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to complete a full-time pre-service teacher education program at a Queensland university,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Recipients are a mix of school leavers, postgraduate students, post-school candidates including mature age students and Department of Education, Training and Employment employees.

“Once they successfully complete their studies and meet suitability requirements, scholarship recipients are eligible for permanent employment with the department.

“Seven high achieving science, mathematics and engineering university graduates have been awarded Step into Teaching Scholarships, which provide $10,000 to assist with study costs.

“Science, mathematics and engineering teachers are in high demand across Queensland.

“By offering financial assistance and access to a permanent teaching role following graduation from a one-year full-time study program, we can attract high quality teachers in these areas into our state high schools.”

After completing a postgraduate teacher education program, recipients will fulfil a specialist teaching role in a rural or remote state school for at least two years.

Mr Langbroek said the Aspiring Teacher Grants program encourages accomplished secondary students with a passion for teaching into the profession.

“Quality teachers have an ability to make a huge impact on students’ lives,” he said.

“To guarantee Queensland students have access to excellent teachers, the department offers a one off $1,500 grant to school graduates with an OP score of between 1 and 5 who commenced an undergraduate teacher program this year.”

Further information on scholarship programs is available on the Make a Difference.Teach link at www.education.qld.gov.au.

A list of all scholarship recipients follows.

Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship recipients:

Gemma Bailey, Jimboomba

Steven Day, Bamaga

Tarlina Fowler, Boonah

Cassandra Grant, Redbank Plains

Tegan Green, Edmonton

John Hunter, Woree

Amanda Kent, Bli Bli

Jody King, Mount Isa

Terry McLoughlin, Indooroopilly

Cydonia Nona, Kirwan

Mariah Warrior, Kingston

Step into Teaching Scholarship recipients:

Paul Burrell, Graduate Diploma in Education (Senior Years), Queensland University of Technology

Ian Dadswell, Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary), University of Southern Queensland

Damian Hewett, Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary), University of Southern Queensland

Chrystal Jones, Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary), University of Southern Queensland

Rob Luetterforst, Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), Griffith University

Frances Potter, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary), University of Queensland

Pam Quayle, Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), James Cook University

Aspiring Teacher Grant recipients:

Kristen Boshammer, Coolum State High School

Tiana Butler, Woodcrest State College

Eliza Childs, Sheldon College

Alyson English, Yeppoon State High School

Sarah Fox, Upper Coomera State College

Monique Froome, Kenmore State High School

Jennifer Galea, St Patrick’s College Mackay

Marita Haylock, James Nash State High School

Hannah Hickey, Saint Rita’s College

Natasha Jarrett, Mansfield State High School

Laura Johnston, St Mary’s College Ipswich

Laura Jones, The Gap State High School

Steven Libby, Calvary Christian College

Annamieka Mole, Faith Lutheran College Redlands

Hiroki Nakata, Benowa State High School

Edsel Parke, Mt Maria College

Dana Ramke, Pine Rivers State High School

Tamika Sanderson, Grace Lutheran College Rothwell

Carla Sasse, St Teresa’s Catholic College

Stephanie Sloman, Kirwan State High School

Rebekah Zhao, Indooroopilly State High School

[ENDS] 26 April 2013

Media contact: Minister's Office - 3237 1000