Teach for Australia addresses science teacher shortage

Was your passion for science ignited by a science teacher who got you excited about scientific discovery? Did you learn from a passionate and engaging science teacher?

Sadly a large proportion of potential scientists are missing out on this opportunity due to a chronic shortage of science teachers in secondary schools across Australia. Right now there is an urgent need for passionate, talented and committed science teachers who can inspire the next generation of brilliant minds.

Teach For Australia is an innovative non-profit organisation working to raise the status of teaching in Australia. By transforming outstanding science graduates into inspirational teachers and leaders, they are hoping to narrow the achievement gap within schools so that all children have excellent education opportunities.

They firmly believe that the energy, enthusiasm and drive evident in many science graduates can positively impact the lives of students and their communities.

One such graduate is Philippa Williams who completed her Bachelor of Science (and a Bachelor of Laws) at The University of Melbourne in 2009. Now teaching biology and science at Stawell Secondary College in regional Victoria, she is one of 45 Teach For Australia Associates who began teaching in an educationally disadvantaged school this year.

“Teaching science offers me the unique ability to see the education gap closing, with results that are quantifiable. I saw the Teach For Australia program as an opportunity to put my passion for science to work. Every day as a teacher, I’m testing my ability to set high expectations, analyse problems and respond to the individual needs of students. I’m also encouraged to creatively design lessons and to teach subject matter in new and innovative ways” she says.

Teach For Australia is currently recruiting for candidates to join their paid, two-year program that will see this year’s outstanding science graduates teach in an educationally disadvantaged school next year. To be eligible students need to be graduating this year or have already graduated. Find out more information from the Teach For Australia website at www.teachforaustralia.org