More teachers are on their way to public school classrooms across NSW, particularly in the regions, with the next round of applications for two popular NSW Government teaching programs opening today.

The FASTstream program received more than four times the number of applications than there were places, and the Mid-Career Transition to Teaching program three times the number, in 2021 when they were first offered.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government is offering significant incentives under the Mid-Career Transition to Teaching program, including a $30,000 training allowance and a $30,000 bonus on completion of study.

“This second round of the program is focusing on getting 25 career changers to make the move to teach in our regional, rural and remote communities,” Ms Mitchell said.

The Mid-Career Transition to Teaching program attracts mid-career professionals into a Masters of Teaching to become a high school Mathematics, Science or Technology or Applied Studies teacher, working part-time in a school after six months, with intensive wraparound support to make the shift to teaching.

“We are also fast tracking our best and brightest teachers into principal roles, providing them with targeted support, mentoring and professional development so they are ready to succeed as a principal within 10 years.”

FASTstream targets teaching graduates and experienced teachers with leadership ambition and talent to accelerate their career journey.

The first 50 successful FASTstream applicants have now been placed in schools across NSW, with almost half in rural and remote areas.

“Having met last year’s participants, I’m really excited that another 50 places are now available and I really encourage teachers and teaching graduates with a strong drive to become a school leader to apply for the FASTstream program,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Every participant in FASTstream will spend time in a regional school, helping to bring great teaching and leadership to the bush.

“FASTstream is part of our commitment to identifying and supporting our school leaders at every stage of their career, as we know school leadership is crucial to lifting student and school outcomes.”

FASTstream supports 30 teachers and 20 teaching graduates each year to develop their careers as school leaders, through the Department of Education School Leadership Institute (SLI). 49 schools across NSW are taking part in the 2022 FASTstream program.

Applications for both programs open today and close on 1 May. For more information visit Teach NSW: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw

List of 2022 FASTstream schools

• Asquith Girls High School
• Beverly Hills Girls High School
• Bowral Public School
• Brisbane Water Secondary College, Woy Woy Campus
• Bulli High School
• Buronga Public School
• Burwood Girls High School
• Calare Public School
• Callaghan College Waratah Campus
• Cecil Hills High School
• Chifley College Bidwill Campus
• Condoblin Public School
• Cooma North Public School
• Cooma Public School
• Coonamble Public School
• Cudgegong Valley Public School
• Dareton Public School
• Dawson Public School
• Forbes Nrth Public School
• Gerringong Public School
• Gol Gol Public School
• Goulburn High School
• Hamilton North Public School
• Hampden Park Public School
• Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus
• Lake Cargelligo Central School
• Macarthur Girls High School
• Maitland Public School
• Moree Public School
• Mount Terry Public School
• Murrumbidgee Regional High School
• Narranga Public School
• Newcastle Middle School
• Orange Public School
• Picnic Point High School
• The Junction Public School
• Tomaree High School
• Vincentia High School
• Wakehurst Public School
• Wallsend South Public School
• Willoughby Girls High School
• Woy Woy South Public School
• Wyrallah Road Public School.