Frontline education services are about to be further boosted, with teaching students and university graduates to benefit from $680,000 in scholarships announced by the Newman Government.
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek announced 40 scholarships under the Step into Teaching Scholarship and STEM Teaching Scholarship programs, each worth up to $25,000.
“We want to attract final year teaching students and suitably qualified university graduates to specialise in secondary school science, technology, engineering and mathematics – commonly known as STEM teaching areas,” Mr Langbroek said.
“The Newman Government promised the people of Queensland that we would revitalise frontline services and this is especially important in education, where the previous government had run out of ideas.”
Mr Langbroek said both programs addressed a recent Queensland Audit Office report finding that students in some state high schools were being disadvantaged because they did not have access to experienced specialist science and maths teachers.
“The Beattie/Bligh Labor governments failed education in Queensland,” he said.
“In contrast the Newman Government is committed to providing a quality education for Queensland school communities, investing $535 million on the most important piece of the system – the teacher.
“Great Teachers = Great Results creates opportunities for every teacher to improve their skills.
“The new STEM teaching scholarships are another betterment incentive targeting students graduating at the end of next year, offering them up to $15,000 to assist with study and other expenses and an assurance of permanent employment as a state secondary school teacher in 2015.”
Mr Langbroek said STEM professions are essential for Queensland’s future and the growing economy, and having quality teachers will help to develop educated and motivated students.
“To compete effectively, industries and businesses must be able to fully leverage the creativity, skills, abilities and innovation of our students,” he said.
Mr Langbroek said the Newman Government had also increased the ‘Step into Teaching’ scholarship by $10,000 to attract non-teaching university graduates with specific knowledge and skills in high priority areas.
“Everything the Newman Government does in education is directed towards better student outcomes,” he said.
“To do this, we have focussed on three key priorities – boosting teacher quality, increasing school autonomy and improving student discipline.
“Queensland students deserve better than the education they received under Labor.”
For further program details visit www.teach.qld.gov.au
