School of Education

Scholar in Residence Program

About

ECU’s School of Education now offers an immersive new residency program to Secondary students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Education or the Master of Teaching courses.

The Scholar in Residence program (SiR) connects ECU pre-service teachers with partner schools, where they will be based for the duration of a full school term. Scholars will apply their discipline knowledge through the research, planning, design and implementation of relevant work-based projects as suited to the specific needs of the context of the school.

The 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.

The 2019 Scholar in Residence program saw more than 31 students undertake internships across 22 participating schools located in Perth metropolitan and regional areas.

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.

Expressions of Interest: 2021

The 2020 Scholar in Residence program will soon be commencing in Term 3. Expressions of interest (EOI) from both ECU pre-service teachers and prospective partner schools is welcomed for the 2021 Scholar in Residence programs:

• Secondary School EOI
• Y68 B.Ed Student EOI
• I91 M.Tch Student EOI

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact Dr Christa Norris for more information.

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.