This year Federation continues the proud tradition of awarding 15 Future Teacher Scholarships, with a value of $4000 each, to eligible student members.
The scholarships are one of the many ways Federation supports future teachers to ease the challenges of studying at this unique time in history, with the worsening cost of living and impact of teacher shortages putting extra pressure on those studying teacher education.
Previous applicants have all proudly attended public schools and have demonstrated a strong desire to work in the public education system. Jake Heath, winner in last year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander category, put it best: “My interest is in promoting the holistic outcomes of First Nations students and their communities. Public education allowed me to be the first one in my family tree to go to university and pursue my dream of giving back to public education.”
Another of last year’s winners credits the scholarship with easing the financial strain during her practicum. She also used the money to buy resources, such as stationery; a lot of which she still uses today as a fully fledged teacher at a Sydney high school.
The recipient also stated that the benefits of the scholarship went beyond being solely financial: “The scholarship helped me gain recognition at several schools and allowed me as a new teacher to feel more confident to engage in experienced teacher networks and during school union meetings.”
Now, more than ever, our future educators need the support from their union to become the next generation of proud public education teacher activists, with more than 3000 unfilled primary, secondary and special education positions in country and city schools across NSW and nine out of 10 teachers saying their school has difficulty recruiting enough casual teachers.
All student members of the NSW Teachers Federation, studying full or part-time, may apply.
Federation offers free student membership; click here to join.
The Teachers Federation Future Teacher Scholarships Committee may award 15 scholarships to successful applicants across the following five categories:
- Future teachers (open to all applicants)
- Future teachers who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Future teachers from a rural or remote area (significant distance from the nearest tertiary institution)
- Future teachers in their first year of a teacher education program
- Future teachers from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background.
One scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment and social justice causes in memory of the late state MP John Kaye.
Applicants may nominate more than one category of scholarship in their application where appropriate.
Applications close Monday, 24 April. Access the application form in the Knowledge Centre via the member portal.
For further information, contact the Membership and Training Officer via futureteachers@nswtf.org.au or phone (02) 9217 2100.