Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its first Regional Teacher Scholarship Program.
Initiated by the Diocese of Port Pirie, the program will provide 14 recipients with a total benefit of up to $20,000 each, paid as $5,000 for each full-time (or pro rata part-time equivalent) year successfully completed in an undergraduate teaching degree.
Thirteen regional Education Support Officer (ESO) staff have been awarded with a Transition to Teaching Scholarship which will see them commit to seeking employment as teachers in regional Catholic schools once they have qualified. Many of the recipients are already underway with their studies and will start to qualify from 2025.
In addition to the financial support for studying, the Transition to Teaching Scholarship program offers its recipients pre-service placements, targeted professional learning, unique on the job experience, as well as mentoring and coaching opportunities throughout their university course. Students will be given support to manage their work and university study load and will be eligible for priority interviews to gain employment within a CESA regional school.
One Year 12 Graduate Teacher Education Scholarship was also awarded to Max Edwards, who graduated from Caritas College, Port Augusta in 2023. He will commence his undergraduate teacher education training in 2024.
In return, on successful completion of their studies, the scholarship recipients will commit to working as a permanent full-time teacher in a CESA regional school for a minimum of two years.
The application process was open to Year 12 students graduating from a CESA regional school in 2023 and to any Education Support Office (ESO) staff currently employed in a CESA regional school.
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie said “We are delighted to have had such a positive response to our first Regional Teacher Scholarship Program, which sees us proudly growing our own talent.
“The Transition to Teaching Scholarship program recognises the invaluable skills, experience and passion that our existing Education Support Office staff bring to our regional schools. We also have one 2023 Year 12 graduate who we will be supporting as he commences his teaching degree this year.
“With a national shortage of teachers, particularly hard felt in regional Australia, we are committed to supporting these future teachers in their endeavours to teach and inspire the next generation.”
Callan Maczkowiack, an ESO at St Albert’s Catholic School, Loxton said “Receiving a Transition to Teaching scholarship means so much to me. I feel so supported in my career path and the financial assistance will make a huge difference whilst I am studying.”
Ashleigh Hector, an ESO at Samaritan College, Whyalla said “Receiving a Transition to Teaching scholarship will allow me to successfully complete my university degree whilst knowing I am being emotionally, and financially supported to work and study.”
The recipients of the Scholarships are:
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