Teach For Australia (TFA), a national education charity, has announced the launch of an innovative undergraduate pathway aimed at increasing diversity in the Australian teaching workforce. The initiative seeks to address the country’s ongoing teacher shortage by attracting a wider range of individuals, including those from rural, regional, and remote areas, First Nations communities, and educational support staff.
According to a news release, the new program is part of TFA’s broader efforts to enhance teacher recruitment and training, following its selection as a recipient of the federal government’s High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program pilot expansion. By opening a route for undergraduates, TFA aims to bolster teacher numbers and foster diversity, ensuring that classrooms across Australia reflect the nation’s demographic makeup.
Melodie Potts Rosevear, founder and CEO of Teach For Australia, emphasised the importance of this new pathway in addressing the pressing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in hard-to-staff regions. “Today’s announcement marks a significant step towards creating more teaching opportunities, adding much-needed diversity to the teaching workforce to further enhance student outcomes,” said Potts Rosevear.
“With 15 years’ experience, TFA has successfully recruited, trained, mentored, and supported over 1,600 high-calibre individuals into classrooms where they’re needed most.”
New program to offer paid experience and mentorship
TFA has built strong relationships with over 290 schools in disadvantaged areas, helping to ensure high retention rates for teachers. This extensive network is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting participants in the new undergraduate pathway.
Starting in 2025, up to 10 undergraduates will join a pilot program in partnership with Charles Darwin University. These participants will complete a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching while earning a wage at a TFA partner school. Throughout their training, they will receive guidance and mentorship from experienced educators.
Initially, participants will be placed in a limited number of jurisdictions, with plans to expand the program in 2026.
In addition to the undergraduate pathway, TFA has announced enhancements to its existing postgraduate Leadership Development Program, which is recognised as Australia’s first employment-based postgraduate teaching route. These changes, set to take effect in 2026, will provide more flexibility for career changers, particularly those balancing caregiving responsibilities and financial commitments. Under the refined model, participants will be able to pursue part-time employment and training, alongside a three-year part-time study option while teaching.
“We’ve carefully considered the needs of career-changers who may be balancing caring responsibilities and financial obligations,” Potts Rosevear noted.
“These enhancements ensure that the quality of the program remains uncompromised. Participants will continue to benefit from the wrap-around support, first-class training, a rewarding ‘earn and learn’ pathway, and the valuable hands-on experience that Teach For Australia is renowned for.”