New pathways are opening up for Queenslanders to make a career move to teaching, said Chris Whiting MP.

There is a new supported pathway for existing teacher aides to become teachers in state schools and a doubling of the value of scholarships and grants available to aspiring teachers.

“Queensland needs more teachers and we want to smooth the path for locals to move into a teaching career,” said Chris Whiting MP.

“We now have a range of options to support Queenslanders who want to become teachers and make a difference in the lives of young people.

“The new pathway to transition teacher aides into teachers is really impressive.

“Teacher aides will receive paid leave for their exams and professional experience placements.

“Schools will also be funded to backfill while the teacher aides are not at school.

“Upon registration, all teacher aides in the pathway will receive an offer of permanent employment in a priority location. 

“The State Government will more than double the scholarships and grants for aspiring teachers to nearly $3m.

“Three scholarship and grant programs are getting a boost from 2024.

“Aspiring Teacher Grants up to $5,000 go to high-achieving school leavers to study teaching at university and the number of grants will double from 25 to 50. 

“Regional, Rural and Remote Graduate Teacher scholarships support graduate preservice teachers with up to $15,000 and permanent employment in regional, rural, and remote state schools.

“The number of scholarships will increase from 72 to 100.

“The Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship supports aspiring and preservice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers.

“The number of scholarships will increase from 20 to 30 and the total value will increase from $20,000 to $40,000.

“The Turn to Teaching Internship Program is a $20M program and applications now open for 2024.

“To apply visit the Teach Queensland website,” said Chris Whiting MP.