• The first Grow Your Own Teacher Training Program students have graduated from Charles Sturt University
• Charles Sturt partners with the NSW Department of Education’s Grow Your Own Teacher Training program and Grow Your Own Local Teacher Pipeline program
• The programs help School Learning Support Officers become qualified teachers while continuing to work

Charles Sturt University has celebrated the first graduates of the ‘Grow Your Own’ (GYO) teaching programs ready to enter the workforce with brand new skills.

Charles Sturt partners with the NSW Department of Education on two of its programs, including the Grown Your Own Teacher Training (GYOTT) program and its extension, the Grow Your Own Local Teacher Pipeline (GYOLTP) program.

The GYO programs focus on recognising the prior learning and knowledge of School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) to provide flexible, supported and online learning pathways to help them become qualified teachers in regional and rural schools.

Ms Sharon Andrews (pictured, inset) is one of the first to graduate from the GYOTT program with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

“The GYO program was instrumental in helping me balance my studies with my work commitments,” Ms Andrews said.

“It provided a flexible and supportive environment where I could develop my teaching skills while staying connected to my school community.”

Ms Andrews worked as a SLSO at a school in Dubbo before and during her studies. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and teacher shortages became more apparent, she knew taking that next step was the right decision.

“I realised how important it was to support students through such a difficult time,” she said.

“Starting something new later in life was daunting, but through perseverance and a commitment to education, I achieved what once felt out of reach.

“As a 54-year-old mother of four already deeply embedded in the workforce, I’ve proven that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.”

Associate Professor Libby Murray in the Charles Sturt School of Education said it was inspiring to see the first students to join the Grow Your Own Teacher Training or Grow Your Own Local Teacher Pipeline programs graduate.

“We are thrilled that the students’ hard work has paid off with them completing their degrees while working in school support roles, and now teaching in schools across regional NSW,” Dr Murray said.

“By valuing their current contributions to the profession, allowing them to study online while continuing to work in schools, and supporting their skill development to become qualified teachers, we are seeing outstanding results in this area.”

“This is just the start of many more wonderful GYO graduates who will complete their teaching degrees over the next few years, and we can’t wait to support each of their individual journeys toward such a rewarding career.”

The NSW Department of Education selected Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University to partner in the training program’s delivery in late 2022.