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Scholar in Residence Program

The Scholar in Residence (SiR) placement takes place outside of the pressures of the standard teaching practicum placements, meaning pre-service teachers have the opportunity to observe and reflect more deeply. These scholars are considered junior colleagues in the departments they work in, allowing them to gain invaluable experience in the complexities of a school’s structure and culture just prior to graduating.

Principals are seeing the benefit of the programs allowing an increase in placements of 64 scholars for 2020.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) 2021

The program will be commencing in Term 3. EOI from both ECU pre-service teachers and prospective partner schools is welcomed:

Bachelor of Education scholars

Y68 B.Ed Student - EOI form

Master of Teaching scholars

I91 M.Tch Student - EOI form

Prospective partner schools

Secondary school - EOI form

“The Scholar in Residence program has been the most beneficial, relevant and practical experience for me to grow professionally as a teacher. I worked alongside other teachers as colleagues and I focused on practising and improving weaker areas of my teaching without the pressure of being assessed. I could not recommend this program enough, I was able to begin teaching before I finished my degree, I developed programs that are now being used by the school and I have been able to continue as a relief teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and I believe the school and I gained much from it.”

Previous Scholar-in-Residence

"Interns provide a great sense of enthusiasm and fresh ideas that can be implemented in the school."

Head of Learning Area
Partner School staff

Further information

Bachelor of Education scholars undertake a residency experience during Term 3, working with a senior level class (years 11-12) and a junior class (years 7-10). They are also assigned a project or school-wide engagement activity, based on the school’s needs, to work on for the duration of a term.

Master of Teaching scholars undertake six weeks of research and analysis of a project in an area of co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, policy enactment, student/staff wellbeing, inclusion or other specialised programs, or areas that meet the needs of the school. These scholars work alongside staff who are already engaged in action research projects in the school’s context.

Previous scholars reported that the engagement activity was the most beneficial element of the residency program, with students tasked with developing ‘virtual baby’ programs, facilitating STEM workshops, conducting school-wide staff surveys and even developing attendance intervention programs for the school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to join the SiR program?

You must be enrolled at ECU in either your third year of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) course to participate in the Scholar in Residence program. You must also have current WWCC and NCCHC clearances to join.

How will pre-service teachers benefit?

As part of the SiR program, pre-service teachers will spend an entire school term undertaking research, reflection and observation aligned with the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards. Participants will gain vital hands-on experience, become more integrated within their host school, develop their professional networks, and work on projects that practicum students normally do not have access to. Participants will obtain a holistic understanding of teaching complexity, school structure and culture.

How much time do pre-service teachers need to commit?

Participants in the undergraduate SiR program (enrolled in Bachelor of Education – Secondary) will attend their partner school 3 days per week during Term 3.

Participants in the postgraduate SiR program (enrolled in Master of Teaching – Secondary) will attend their partner school 2 days per week during Term 4.

What does the program involve for Bachelor of Education students?

Bachelor of Education scholars undertake a residency experience during Term 3, working with a senior level class (years 11-12) and a junior class (years 7-10). They are also assigned a project or school-wide engagement activity, based on the school’s needs, to work on for the duration of a term.

What does the program involve for Master of Teaching students?

Master of Teaching scholars undertake six weeks of research and analysis of a project in an area of co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, policy enactment, student/staff wellbeing, inclusion or other specialised programs, or areas that meet the needs of the school. These scholars work alongside staff who are already engaged in action research projects in the school’s context.

How can pre-service teachers sign up for SiR?

Pre-service teachers enrolled in ECU’s Secondary teaching courses can express their interest using the links above.

How do schools and teachers benefit from having a Scholar in Residence?

The host school will have a scholar who can help with a wide range of tasks. These may include developing action research projects, developing differentiated lessons and assisting in preparing senior classes for exams through research-based practice, assisting in preparing documents for excursions, assisting in class and more. These scholars work independently with supporting staff who are not required to do any marking of the pre-service teachers – interns are assessed entirely at the university level.

Which schools can be involved in SiR and how can they sign up?

There is currently a range of Secondary schools offering the SiR program in Perth metropolitan and WA regional locations. Expressions of interest from prospective partner schools are now being sought to expand the program.

Contact

Please contact Dr Christa Norris, Academic Program Coordinator (SiR) for further information.

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