High Achieving Teachers program
Australia has a shortage of teachers. To boost the number of people entering the profession, ECU and the Federal Government have introduced an exciting new employment-based pathway called the High Achieving Teachers program where eligible students will be paid while attaining teaching qualifications.
Why study at ECU?
-
Top WA public uni for Teacher Education
Ranked top for teacher education across all categories in the latest QILT Student Experience Survey. QILT is an independent Australian government survey.
-
The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 17 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
-
A 5-star postgrad experience
Our postgraduate students have rated us 5 stars for their overall experience in the latest Good Universities Guide. More 5-star ratings included: skills development, student support and teaching quality.
-
One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
How does it work?
The High Achieving Teachers program, or HAT, starts in early 2025.
Successful applicants will study one of ECU's three Master of Teaching courses – in either Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary Education.
Unlike our existing coursework schedule for these master's degrees, your study will be structured around the four Western Australian school terms.
This better aligns with school needs and enhances theory-practice connections. It also makes life easier for program participants with school-age children as you won't be expected to work during school holidays.
You'll be paid while studying and start work in a school in year one.
You'll be placed in one of our HAT partnership schools – public, Catholic or an independent school.
The High Achieving Teachers program will give a much needed boost to the current teacher shortage in Western Australia.
Courses
Under the High Achieving Teachers program you can apply for one of our three Master of Teaching courses.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to people who hold a non-teaching degree and want to switch careers to teaching.
This applies to:
- recent ECU graduates who hold a non-teaching degree
- recent graduates from other universities who hold a non-teaching degree
- final year ECU students who expect to graduate with a non-teaching degree in 2024
- final year students at other universities who expect to graduate with a non-teaching degree in 2024
The psychology of a career switcher: Brooke's story
Brooke Taylor's background is in psychology. But when her kids started school, it reignited her passion for child development and led to a career change.
Other criteria you'll need to meet
The program is seeking people with strong undergraduate results and there will be some, but not a complete emphasis on graduates who have studied STEM courses.
We'll also consider applicants' personal qualities to assess their suitability, as teaching is a highly personal profession.
Success in the classroom is as much about how you communicate as it is about what you communicate!
This is why applications will include a personal statement from you, along with an interview with our HAT Program team.
Student teacher leading a classroom of students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Typically, we expect you to have achieved distinctions and higher distinctions on a regular basis, especially in your final year of undergrad study.
-
Upon entry into the HAT program, you'll receive a stipend or lump sum of $15,000 for your first year. In year 2, you'll receive a further $3,000 stipend.
In your first year of this program, you'll have the opportunity of up to 2 days of paid employment at your placement school.
In year 2, this can be up to 4 days of paid employment while you study.
-
Short answer is no; you can't receive a Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship as well as be part of the High Achieving Teachers employment-based program.
-
Absolutely you should. While there is a known shortage of STEM teachers across Australia and Western Australia, we encourage you to apply for the HAT program whatever your study discipline.
-
Applications are now open and will close mid-December 2024.
-
Your formal study of the Master's program will be online while you are mentored and coached in a HAT partnership school.
-
Short answer is lots! You'll have mentors and coaches in the school you start in and you'll be supported by the HAT Team at ECU.
We've established a specialised university-school partnership HAT support team for successful applicants to help you achieve success as a teacher.
There will also be targeted professional learning through your involvement in a range of ECU short courses for teachers.
Do you have any questions about the High Achieving Teachers program?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.