In order to apply for a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship, you must meet the below eligibility criteria outlined in the Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• be permanently (full time or part time) employed or on a temporary contract in a NSW school, early childhood centre or TAFE NSW campus unless otherwise stated in the Scholarship
• have a minimum of two years of teaching experience
• be qualified to teach or have particular experience in the category applicable to the scholarship
• meet any additional criteria if noted in the individual scholarship description.

For information on the terms and conditions of the scholarship visit the Scholarship Terms and Conditions webpage.

Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply Now' button on any individual scholarship page.

Applicants should ensure the application is unique and relevant for each scholarship (if applying for more than one).

You must upload the following supporting documents as part of your online application (in PDF format):

• Research and study tour proposal template: use this to outline your research plans and study tour locations.
  
• Endorsement of application form completed by your Principal or Manager. Your scholarship application will not be considered if this form is not submitted.
• Curriculum vivitae/resume (maximum of 2 pages). The selection panel might refer to this for additional information regarding qualifications and experiences that might not be evident in the scholarship application.

Each application will be assessed on how well it meets the objectives of the scholarship program. Throughout your application, ensure that you are making explicit links across the research, rationale, curriculum/syllabus and itinerary. Ensure that your proposal shows how your research will:

• enrich the body of professional knowledge
• contribute to the learning outcomes of students
• contribute to the recipient's professional learning
• impact on learning and teaching beyond an individual recipient/school/campus.

The selected research topic must align with the scholarship focus and be an area of current or future demand, in addition to holding personal interest for the applicant. Keep in mind that selection panels will look for unique and relevant proposals that aim to provide maximum impact to students. Consider these steps when choosing a topic:

• Brainstorm. Generate ideas of interest to you, personally and professionally.
• Read. Read information from professional associations, previous scholar reports, colleagues or networks to help you understand what information exists and how your idea could further that knowledge.
• Focus. Organise your ideas into topics. If your topic is too broad it may be hard to find information that is focused and relevant; if your topic is too narrow it may be hard to find any information at all. Is it something new or something from a new perspective? How does it align with the syllabus or curriculum?
• Discuss. If you can, engage your principal, manager, colleagues and networks to discuss your potential research topic. Others will be able to help you see your topic more clearly and ask questions from a different perspective.
• Define. Define your topic into a focused research question. With the direction of your research now clear, you can begin locating material on your topic.

The following areas reflect the required sections in the research and study tour proposal template (uploaded as part of the online application form).

Title: Choose a title that will engage the selection panel and raise their interest in your application. This will become the title of your research proposal (it can be updated later) and used on your research report submitted after your study tour.

Synopsis (word limit 150): Provide a brief summary of your proposed research and outline key aspects of your proposed investigation and outcomes. Summarise how your proposed study tour will meet the objectives of the Premier's Teacher Scholarships to: enrich the body of professional knowledge, contribute to the learning outcomes of students, contribute to the recipient's professional learning and impact upon learning and teaching beyond an individual recipient/school/campus.

Inspiration statement (word limit 100): This statement should identify the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you to research this particular topic. Craft this statement carefully and intentionally, as selection panels read this first to get a sense of your passion and motivation for your topic.

Rationale (word limit 300): Share your justification for choosing this topic and show explicit links to current research and practice. This may include reference to a 'gap' in current research, the need to research existing information or ideas in a new context or the need to conduct research to solve a specific problem. Explain the purpose of your proposed study, providing context of both existing evidence (and theory) and practical applications.

Syllabus/curriculum/module relationship (word limit 300): Demonstrate how your research topic directly links to teaching and learning. What is the connection to current and future trends in your subject area? This section should show explicit links to the syllabus (NSW curriculum) and reinforce it with research about that area.

Outcomes and benefits (word limit 300): Address your predicted outcomes. What are you hoping to prove/disprove? Indicate how your research will contribute to your particular subject area and how this will benefit student outcomes, making explicit links and reference to NSW curriculum/syllabus.

Proposed study tour details (five-weeks maximum): The research and study tour proposal template (uploaded as part of the online application form), is a high-level proposal only, but should demonstrate that you have seriously considered what you want to achieve during the five-week study tour, the sequence of visits, and what is financially feasible. At the application stage, you are not required to contact individuals or organisations to confirm meetings or activities. (Successful recipients will later finalise their study tour plan.)

You must complete a table with the following information for each of your proposed activities.

• Activity/location: List the proposed activity details and its location. Consider a mix of international and domestic visits, and a variety of experiences, e.g., classroom visits, conferences, university visits, museums, cultural experiences. For example, 'visit Professor J Harrison, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England' or 'Post-study tour funded dissemination activity - run workshop at professional association conference'.
• Anticipated Dates: List the proposed dates that that you would conduct each individual activity. This is an estimate as if successful, you will confirm actual dates later. Note that funded research activities must be completed in one block of up to 35 days (including working through any weekends and school holidays), with up to seven separate days of funded sharing activities completed within 90 days of the research.
• Benefits: Indicate how the activity is relevant and of benefit to your study tour proposal and research. What benefit will this activity add to your proposal topic? What can you learn by undertaking this activity or visiting this person/organisation? How will this activity help to tie your research to the NSW curriculum/syllabus?

Additional personal or holiday leave cannot be added to the five-week study tour.

Dissemination/sharing (word limit 300): Describe how you will share your final research information and knowledge so that it reaches as many people or organisations as possible across sectors, mediums, and local, regional and state levels. Specifically name and briefly describe the dissemination methods you plan to use (for example, 'develop a workshop session that can be delivered at the History Teachers Association state conference'). Where appropriate, incorporate professional associations and the scholarship sponsor as a means of dissemination. Some ideas from past scholars and sponsors:

Local

• share findings with home school/institute colleagues (present at staff meetings, publish in school newsletter or on school website)
• involve/interact with local community groups
• coaching/mentoring other staff
• presentation to sponsor

Regional

• network/district meetings
• involvement with professional associations - present or provide information
• present at staff development days across networks/districts

State and National

• involvement with professional associations - present or provide information. Create online materials (e.g. blog, webpage, webinars, podcast, social media - Facebook/Instagram/Twitter)
• present at national conference/professional association conference
• educational review papers
• submit article to journal
• create resources that are available for use by other teachers
• interviews - radio/TV/newspaper
• produce/collaborate on a book/textbook

Applications will close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Friday, 28 July 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Friday, 28 July 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

A selection panel is convened for each scholarship, made up of a minimum of five representatives from the sponsoring organisation, government and non-government schools, TAFE campuses, preschools, and professional associations (with the composition varying according to the scholarship subject).

Each panel includes a subject matter expert, who initially shortlists applications that most closely align with the criteria of the scholarship and objectives of the program. The shortlisted applications are forwarded to the selection panel for final review. The selection panel advises the Premier of the successful applicant and a reserve (if appropriate).

Note: The Department of Education’s School Workforce directorate administers the program on behalf of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. It does not play a role in recipient selection.

Successful applicants will be informed of their outcome by phone and follow-up email. They will be invited to a formal reception event (during Term 3 or 4) attended by the Premier.

Applicants not selected for the scholarship will be notified by email and may seek feedback on their application. Further information on this feedback process will be provided to these applicants.

Unsuccessful applicants may choose to apply in the following year.

Review the frequently asked questions for successful applicants for more information.