This scholarship is open to teachers in NSW schools, early childhood services or TAFE campuses for a study into any aspect of rural and remote education. Preference will be given to those with current or previous teaching experience in rural and remote locations in NSW, or providers of distance education. The scholarship supports investigations including: exemplary practice in education for rural and remote areas, exemplary practice in professional development relevant to education in rural and remote areas and new and emerging technologies and trends in teaching of benefit to rural and remote education (as evidenced by schools and centres incorporating these trends into their education programs).
The UNSW School of Education will provide an academic contact to support the scholar in relation to discussion of the research topic, furthering contacts and introduction to relevant networks (Australian and international) and guidance on the research report structure and feedback on content.
The successful applicant will undertake a study tour and follow-up activities of up to five weeks internationally or within Australia. Study tour travel is to be completed in one block between 1 January and 30 June 2025, with individual follow-up activities and reporting to be completed within 90 days of study tour completion.
Time may involve formal study (eg, undertaking a short course at a respected tertiary institution) or may involve a program of visits to sites, schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources for the preparation of teaching materials related to the specific scholarship category.
A portion of time (up to one week) may be allocated toward follow-up dissemination activities (e.g., experience-sharing, professional learning) within and across NSW, either in-person or virtually.
One scholarship of $15,000 will be offered for travel during 2025.
Proudly supported by the UNSW School of Education.
Further potential benefits: The successful applicant may choose to write a 6000-word report on their findings and recommendations (to be provided to relevant local regional offices) and have that report assessed by UNSW. Once completed, the scholar can receive advanced standing towards one 6 UOC elective course for the Master of Education/Master of Educational Leadership program at UNSW.
Background on the UNSW School of Education's involvement with rural and regional schools
UNSW School of Education offers Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs in high school and primary school education. In partnership with the NSW Department of Education, students are supported to complete their placements in rural and remote schools with the aim of having those students go on to teach in these schools upon completion of their degree. The regions students are placed in include Narrabri, Wee Waa, Deniliquin, and Griffith.
The School has an additional partnership with the department, where participants of the program who live in the Riverina area are supported to complete a secondary teaching qualification through a mixed mode of delivery on-site at a local school and online, removing the need to travel to the UNSW main campus.
Both partnerships seek to grow the teacher population in rural and remote NSW public schools, both improving the level of education in primary and secondary public schools and maintaining strong community connections.
Academics in the School of Education are also actively involved in rural and remote research projects and have a wealth of knowledge to share in this area.
Applications close 11:59pm (AEST), Friday, 3 May 2024.
The Scholarship Terms and Conditions apply to all Premier's Teacher Scholarships. Applicants should refer to the FAQs for applicants when preparing and submitting an application. As part of the online application, applicants must upload their research and study tour proposal along with the Endorsement of Application form.