PIPE offers paid work experience as an education assistant.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) Bachelor of Education students are now able to participate in a paid work experience program being trialled thanks to a partnership with the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC).
Eight ECU Early Childhood Studies and Secondary Education teaching students are already taking part in the Professional Immersion Program for Educators (PIPE), accepting paid teaching experience in classrooms one day a week at six different ASC schools across Perth and Western Australia.
"We know Australian teaching students can be negatively financially affected by having to undertake unpaid professional experience placements during their degrees, so this trial with the ASC is a new measure to ease the financial challenges Western Australian teaching students often experience when studying to become a teacher," ECU Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, Associate Professor Paula Mildenhall explained.
PIPE offers the paid work experience as an education assistant, under the guidance of a mentor teacher, outside of the formal professional experience placement.
"It is a program designed to support our future teachers to be classroom ready and enhance our programs," Associate Professor Mildenhall said.
"Moreover, pre-service teachers gain experience with the support and guidance of a mentor, while earning an income that can assist in supporting the completion of their studies."
ASC Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM said, "Our partnership with Edith Cowan University through the PIPE Program provides experienced and engaging mentorship to future teachers, whilst developing high-calibre, quality educators."
Get into the PIPE
Pre-service teachers interested in taking part in PIPE must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have started a Bachelor of Education at ECU
- possess current Working With Children Check and National Police clearance
- display a willingness to embrace the Anglican values and identity of their school community
About the Anglican Schools Commission
The ASC currently have 12 schools in Western Australia, three in Victoria and one in New South Wales, providing Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 education for more than 16,500 students.
The organisation's vision is to nurture and educate young people via a growing system of low-fee Anglican schools providing quality, inclusive Christian education.
ASC Director of Teaching and Learning, Kathryn Paul said, "We are excited about this innovative tripartite agreement which strengthens the relationship between Edith Cowan University, ASC schools and our future teachers."
Pre-service teachers interested in applying can do so by emailing hr@ascschools.edu.au
