As another round of applications for the Mid-Career Transition to Teaching Program opens, students accepted into the first round commence their studies through Charles Sturt University and speak about why they made the decision to make a late change to a career in teaching.

Charles Sturt University is participating in another round of the Mid-Career Transition to Teaching Program by the NSW Department of Education.

Four universities, including Charles Sturt, participated in 2021, with 50 places on offer, 29 of which went to Charles Sturt students.

Charles Sturt is one of two universities participating in this round, with 25 places on offer in two different pathways – Science and Mathematics and Technological and Applied Studies (TAS).

The online program will support those with significant prior experience to complete their Master of Teaching (Secondary) and enter a career in secondary teaching.

After six months of study, participants will be given the opportunity to be employed at a school part-time as a paraprofessional, and while completing the remainder of their qualification.

A $30,000 one-off training allowance will be offered, following by a $30,000 study completion bonus to be phased over the first three years of employment in a NSW public school.

Participants will also be offered a permanent teaching position in a NSW public school upon graduation.

Course Director in the Charles Sturt School of Education Ms Melanie Sugumaran said the University had a good response during the first round, with more applications received than there were places on offer.

“Charles Sturt University had a really positive response and have the greatest number of participants, with 29 participants, 20 of which have already commenced,” she said.

“Mid-career teachers bring assets, such as life experience, including occupational expertise. Their motivation to change careers is often intrinsic and helps with being engaged, determined and independent learners.”

Ms Sugumaran said each participant brings an excitement for learning and contributing to their community and she is excited to welcome a new cohort of students in the upcoming round.

Mr Tony Gill was born in Temora but now lives in Dubbo with his wife and two daughters, where he works with the Department of Planning and Environment.

He has just commenced a Master of Teaching as a participant of the program from the first round with Charles Sturt, where he has also previously completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Wagga Wagga.

Mr Gill has always had a desire to teach and said this was the perfect moment in his life to pursue that career milestone.

“Teaching aligns well with my values and identity – living regionally, working for the public good and contributing to my community,” he said.

“The main attraction of the scholarship was that it enabled me to get into schools early in the program.

“I trust that the unique combination of work experience and mentoring, in parallel to study, will prepare me well for the first few years of my teaching career.”

Mr Gill said Charles Sturt and the Department of Education have been flexible and supportive to ensure participants can balance work, study and home life.

Mrs Elise French from Newcastle was successful in the first round of the program and is currently in her first year of a Master of Teaching.

Mrs French was born in Narrandera but has lived in Newcastle for as long as she can remember.

She wanted to accelerate her transition into a teaching career from her career as a dietician at an after-school care centre.

While completing her previous degree in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Mrs French enjoyed learning about science and she wanted to return to her passion of learning and teaching.

“It would take me three or four years to graduate as a teacher if not for the support of this program,” she said.

“The support given allows me the peace of mind to focus on my studies and the confidence of a job at the end.”

The program will offer flexibility via its online delivery, facilitating independent learning and offering academic support to all participants.

Applications for mid-year entry into the Mid-Career Transition to Teaching Program are now open and will close on Sunday 1 May. Applications can be submitted online.