Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program

To be eligible for the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program (GYOTT), applicants must:

1. be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident
2. be currently working in a permanent or long-term temporary school administrative and support staff (SASS) role in a NSW public school. Current SASS roles eligible for the 2024 intake include:
   • Aboriginal Education Officers (AEOs)
   • Business Managers (BMs)
   • School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs)
   • School Administrative Managers (SAMs)
   • School Administrative Officers (SAOs)
3. have prior qualifications in education support or similar experience
4. have a minimum of 12 months continuous experience in a SASS role
5. not currently be enrolled in or undertaking initial teacher education studies
6. have endorsement from their current School Principal/s to participate in the program
7. be willing to enrol in an accredited teaching degree with one of our partner universities (Charles Sturt University or Western Sydney University)
8. accept an appointment as a permanent full-time teacher on successful completion of their studies and work for a minimum of three years in a NSW public school.

No, the program currently supports eligible SASS staff who have yet to undertake tertiary education to become a teacher. If applicants have already enrolled in any ITE courses, including a Bachelor of Teaching or Education or Master of Teaching, please visit the Get paid to study page for further information on other scholarship offerings.

To be eligible for the 2024 intake, applicants must either hold a permanent or long-term temporary contract in a NSW public school as a/an:

• Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO)
• Business Manager (BM)
• School Learning Support Officer (SLSO)
• School Administrative Manager (SAM)
• School Administrative Officer (SAO)

Eligible SASS staff currently employed on a casual basis may be eligible to apply for the program if they:

• have 12 months or more continuous experience in an eligible SASS role

and

• will have a long-term temporary or permanent contract by the time they apply for OR commence the program.

At this stage, the program is available to all SASS staff who meet eligibility requirements. Priority may be given to those currently working in, or willing to be employed as a teacher in, select Connected Communities schools or one of the following staffing areas:

Albury, Armidale, Bankstown, Batemans Bay, Bathurst, Blacktown, Bourke, Broken Hill, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Fairfield, Granville, Griffith, Lismore, Liverpool, Maitland, Moree, Mount Druitt, Muswellbrook, Orange, Parramatta, Penrith, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Taree, Tweed Heads/Ballina, Wagga Wagga and Windsor.

To better understand the geographic locations/school education areas applicants are able to select from and which schools are included, further information can be found in the staffing area spreadsheet or through the visual map.

For more information about specific schools that may be considered a priority in the GYOTT Program, please contact the program team via email on growyourownteachers@det.nsw.edu.au.

Yes, all eligible SASS staff working in schools for specific purposes are encouraged to apply.

Yes, SASS staff from central schools are eligible if they meet all other eligibility requirements (noting participants will need to nominate a primary or secondary pathway as part of their application given the different ITE requirements).

No, there is no age limit for the program. Applicants will just need to meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications for the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program are now closed. Please subscribe to receive future program updates.

In 2024, the department is aiming to support 150 or more participants in the program. There will also be a further intake in 2025.

Should applicants not receive a place in the 2024 intake, applicants may be eligible for another program or scholarship to assist in their transition to teaching.

Please visit the Get paid to study page of the Education website for further information about other scholarship opportunities with the department.

The 2024 intake of the program is aimed at current permanent and long-term temporary SASS staff who meet the eligibility requirements and are committed to studying to become qualified teachers in NSW public schools.

We are looking for candidates who:

• are ambitious, creative, adaptable, collaborative, and empathetic
• have strong time management skills to be able to pursue their initial teacher education (ITE) degree alongside managing personal and work commitments.

Applicants with a desire to specialise in high-demand subject areas including inclusive/special education, science, technological and applied studies, engineering and mathematics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Priority will be given to those applicants currently working in, or willing to be employed as a teacher in, high or medium demand rural, regional or metropolitan areas of NSW.

Participants will receive the following incentives and benefits:

1. $10,000 per year (up to three years) training allowance (up to $30,000) to contribute to the costs of study. Please note that this amount is not tax exempt and will incur tax at the time of payment.

2. Employment whilst studying:

• Participants will remain employed in their current role in their school while studying.
• Participants can choose to transition to part-time employment (up to three days per week) as an educational paraprofessional in their final two years of study.
• In the final year of studies, like all ITE students, participants may apply for interim approval to teach which will allow them to be able to teach casually as a teacher in NSW public schools.

3. A permanent teaching position upon successful completion of studies. As a requirement of the program, participants must work for a minimum of three years in a NSW public school upon successful completion of their studies.

4. Access to information sessions and peer networks.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are strongly encouraged to apply for the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program. The Aboriginal Programs team can provide further information and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Contact the Aboriginal Programs team by phone on 1300 32 32 32 (select 3 > 3 > 1) or by emailing aboriginalemployment@det.nsw.edu.au.

Special leave is available for permanent and long-term temporary staff members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and who are undertaking approved indigenous education studies which articulate into teacher education studies/approved initial teacher education programs at Western Sydney University. Special leave covers:

• compulsory residential attendance requirements
• practicum
• graduation ceremonies
• time for related essential travel during usual working hours.

Please note that special leave is dependent on a principal’s approval.

More information is available in the SASS staff handbook.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffs’ unique experience, cultural perspective, and commitment to education. To find out more about available support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff studying at CSU as part of the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program, please view CSU’s First Nations Pathways in Education flyer.

Payments made as part of the program must be declared as assessable income on annual income tax returns. This scholarship payment is not tax exempt.

Participants are encouraged to seek financial advice for their own personal circumstances.

Participants in the program will be paid based on their current classification according to the number of days they work. We expect that most participants in the program would study part-time to enable them to continue to work whilst studying.

According to the School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) Award, different study leave options may be available depending on the study load participants elect.

Study Time, Study Leave (no Pay) and Part-time Leave Without Pay (LWOP) may be available for program participants. Please contact the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program team on growyourownteachers@det.nsw.edu.au for more information.

When a participant transitions from working full-time to working part-time whilst in the program, the program can provide schools a 0.2 FTE payment to backfill the SASS position (one day per week).

If a participant is unable to fulfill the terms of the program agreement, they will be required to repay the department for any payments as part of the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program.

Applications for the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program are now closed. Please subscribe to receive future program updates.

As part of the application process, applicants will be required to:

• answer a series of written questions outlining their skills and experience relevant to the program
• have their current principal/s complete a form to endorse their application
• provide two references as part of the application.

Eligible applicants will also be required to complete a pre-recorded digital interview as part of the application process. A link to the pre-recorded digital interview will be provided to applicants once their eligibility for the program has been verified.

In the program application form, applicants will be provided with a link to an online endorsement form that they must share with their principal/s to complete.

Gaining admission into an initial teacher education course at one of our partner universities (WSU or CSU) is at their discretion. English language proficiency is an inherent requirement for admission if prior study was not completed in English. Additional documentation may be requested to demonstrate an applicant's eligibility for course entry.

The department has partnered with Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University to deliver the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program. As part of the application, applicants will be able to nominate a preferred university. Successful applicants will be supported to apply directly to the university.

Based on a successful applicant's location, study preferences and prior qualifications, they can choose from a range of offerings at the partner universities.

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt is offering a Bachelor of Educational Studies/Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) pathway. Participants will study online, full-time or part-time and can adjust their study pattern to help them manage their current employment and other life demands. Participants can choose to become a primary or secondary teacher, and will specialise in a key learning area (KLA) that interests them.

The Charles Sturt pathway can be completed in two or three years (full-time) for SASS staff with relevant previous university study and/or vocational qualifications (e.g. a Diploma or Cert III/IV Education Support). For participants commencing with no prior university or vocational qualifications, the pathway will be four years (full-time). The Admissions team will assess participants’ previous study and experience to determine their eligibility for any recognition of prior learning and any potential subject credits.

Please note: receiving recognition of prior learning does not necessarily fast track a participant's initial teacher education degree.

Find out more about the Charles Sturt University course offering or contact growyourown@csu.edu.au or 1800 275 278.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University offers participants completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree the ability to study on-campus at Penrith (Kingswood) or on-campus at Bankstown for the Master of Teaching (Primary). Participants can also study some subjects either online or on-campus. If participants are completing foundational studies in preparation for transitioning into an initial teacher education degree, these programs are available at a range of locations through The College at Western Sydney University.

Find out more about the Western Sydney University course offering or contact growyourown@westernsydney.edu.au or 1300 897 669.

Inclusive/Special Education is a pathway included in the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program. Participants will first need to undertake their initial studies in either primary or secondary teaching and then complete a post-graduate qualification. The options at each of the universities are:

Charles Sturt University

Teachers seeking to extend their knowledge or qualifications in inclusive education can complete inclusive education subjects as part of the Bachelor of Educational studies, however, to be recognised as a special/inclusive education teacher, participants will need to complete a Master of Inclusive Education.

Western Sydney University

To be approved to teach special/inclusive education, participants will need to complete their initial teaching degree (bachelor's or master's degree) followed by the Master of Inclusive Education. This will require an additional 1.5 - 3 years of study time dependent upon study load.

Yes, there is an option at both universities to study online.

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University (CSU) offers the opportunity to study online, full-time, or part-time for both Bachelor of Educational Studies and Master of Teaching (Primary) or (Secondary) degrees. This allows participants flexibility to continue their important work in schools while studying from anywhere in NSW, at any time of day. If participants live near one of CSU’s many regional NSW campuses at Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port-Macquarie, or Wagga Wagga, they can access 24-hour learning commons and libraries, as well as CSU’s sporting and recreational facilities.

CSU has a wide range of short online courses and workshops to help increase participants’ skills in academic writing, referencing, assignment preparation and provide online tutors, academic skills advisers, online forums and librarians to support participants throughout their studies.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University offers the opportunity to study on-campus at Penrith (Kingswood) for those completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree, or on-campus at Bankstown for those completing Master of Teaching (Primary). Participants can also study some subjects either online or on-campus. If participants are completing foundational studies in preparation for transitioning into university degrees, these programs are available at a range of locations through The College at Western Sydney University.

Course fees will vary depending on the participant’s chosen educational pathway and university provider. For more information, please contact the universities directly - Charles Sturt University (1800 275 278 or growyourown@csu.edu.au) or Western Sydney University (1300 897 669 or growyourown@westernsydney.edu.au).

A $30,000 training allowance (pre tax) will be paid directly to participants (up to $10,000 per year for three years pre tax) to assist with the cost of study. Participants can choose how to use this payment.

Payments made as part of the program must be declared as assessable income on annual income tax returns. This payment is not tax exempt.

As part of the program, participants will receive a Commonwealth Supported Place at one of our partner universities, however, there will be additional course costs associated with completing studies. Support is also available to participants through HECS-HELP.

The Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program is not a fast-tracked pathway to completing an initial teacher education degree.

Course length will be based on a participant's preferred university, prior qualifications and teaching area of interest. The program is not a fast-track program, but recognition of prior learning may be available which can potentially shorten study length.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) gives students credit for any previous study or work experience related to the subjects covered in their chosen course.

Students may be eligible for credit towards their new degree if they have:

• completed a diploma
• previously studied subjects at a university, or
• already have work experience in the same industry or area related to their chosen course.

Successful participants who have previous experience in supporting students in classrooms (e.g., SLSOs, AEOs) and are currently employed in an eligible SASS role can apply for up to a 10-day reduction of professional placement days if/when they have been in an eligible SASS role for over two years.

If participants are eligible, they can apply for a reduction of their professional placement later in their degree and will be instructed on how to do this by their subject coordinator/course director.

RPL is an acknowledgment of the skills and knowledge students have already acquired over the years. Whilst it may help reduce the amount of time it takes to finish their degree, in some instances, this is not always the case as there are different ways in which credit can be granted upon assessment. For further information, please contact the relevant ITE provider.

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University will provide dedicated, ongoing, wrap-around support for Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program participants enrolled in the Bachelor of Educational Studies and Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) program, to help overcome the barriers to study and provide multiple opportunities for success. This will include:

• enrolment and transition support to help guide participants through the initial application and enrolment process and ensure a smooth and informed transition to university study
• a dedicated Student Support Officer who will act as a university mentor throughout the course
• a dedicated School Liaison Officer who will work with the participant, the participant’s school and partner schools to optimise their experiences and learning
• ongoing support to upskill students in academic writing, referencing, understanding assignments, time management, and using the online library. This includes one-on-one support with Academic Skills Advisers, as well as support through online forums and workshops
• wellbeing support, through a range of student welfare, safety and wellbeing support programs
• First Nations students will be supported with all aspects of their academic journey, including social, cultural, and personal support. Whilst services refer to First Nations students, CSU respectfully acknowledges that students identify in a range of ways, such as with one or more Nations or language groups, as Indigenous, as Aboriginal and/or as Torres Strait Islander
• disability support will be provided to ensure all students have equal access to learning. Students will work one-on-one with a liaison officer to create a Study Access Plan and support is provided for any condition (permanent or temporary) which may impact successful study
• a Grow Your Own Student Support Officer and the Charles Sturt Academic Progress team will work with students who may need additional support
• Communities of Practice and peer support networks will be set up across the entire Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program cohort, which will include webinars and online study sessions, to provide professional learning and help participants share experiences, goals and successes.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University will provide dedicated, ongoing, wrap-around support for participants to help overcome the barriers to study and provide multiple opportunities for success. This will include:

• enrolment and transition support to help guide participants through the initial application and enrolment process and ensure a smooth and informed transition to university study.
• a dedicated Student Support Officer who will act as a university mentor throughout the course.
• a dedicated School Liaison Officer who will work with the participant, the participant’s school and partner schools to optimise their experiences and learning
• university advisors, alongside a mentor teacher, will support participants during professional experience placements
• an Academic Preparation Module to assist participants to identify their current capacities in assessing their readiness university study
• intensive transition support for the first six months, focusing on study techniques, academic literacy, university requirements, returning to study and balancing study, work and personal commitments
• access to all existing student support mechanisms, such as the Badanami Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Study Smart Librarians, Peer Assisted Student Support, Disability Services and Student Welfare services
• Communities of Practice and peer support networks will be set up across the entire Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program cohort, which will include webinars and online study sessions, to provide professional learning and help participants share experiences, goals and successes.

Program participants will need to complete their professional experience placements in line with current NESA policy. Participants will complete placements at other schools as well as at their current school and we recommend that participants complete the final placement in their current school. Please note that professional experience placements are unpaid.

Participants will be required to take LWOP during their professional experience placements. Participants are provided a training allowance to assist with costs associated with study, including placements.

Participants can study in whichever mode best meets their situation and needs. Participants can begin their studies full-time and transition to part-time or undertake study part-time and decide how many subjects to study each semester.

Participants will need to inform the program team of any changes to their study pattern at growyourownteachers@det.nsw.edu.au as this will affect the start date of the participant’s transition to employment as an educational paraprofessional.

The length of study will be similar to a standard accredited teaching degree and could be shorter or longer depending on prior qualifications, experience of participants and whether they choose to study part-time or full-time.

Please view the prior qualifications and study duration documents for each university below before reaching out to the universities to start a conversation about your unique circumstances.

• Charles Sturt University prior qualifications and study duration
• Western Sydney University prior qualifications and study duration

Educational paraprofessionals assist, support and work closely with teachers in the classroom to improve student learning outcomes. Read more about the role of an educational paraprofessional on the paraprofessional webpage of the NSW Department of Education intranet.

In the last two years of a participant’s studies, they can choose to transition to work as an educational paraprofessional (up to three days per week). The educational paraprofessional role will be funded by the program.

As an example, participants could choose to work as an educational paraprofessional three days a week and work in their current role (SLSO, AEO, SAM, etc.) two days a week. Please note that this is at the discretion of the participant’s school and participants will need to discuss this with their principal. Leave entitlements will also differ as SASS positions fall under a different award to educational paraprofessionals. We strongly recommend participants contact EdConnect for information on leave entitlements.

Participants will be able to nominate up to three Principal Networks for permanent employment as a teacher once they complete their studies. The school they will be appointed to will be dependent on vacancies at the time, but we will work closely with the participant and school principals on this.

As part of the application form, participants will be asked to select up to three Principal Networks. As an indication, priority may be given to those currently working in, or willing to be employed as a teacher in, select Connected Communities schools or one of the following areas:

Albury, Armidale, Bankstown, Batemans Bay, Bathurst, Blacktown, Bourke, Broken Hill, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Fairfield, Granville, Griffith, Lismore, Liverpool, Maitland, Moree, Mount Druitt, Muswellbrook, Orange, Parramatta, Penrith, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Taree, Tweed Heads/Ballina, Wagga Wagga and Windsor.

To better understand the geographic locations/school education areas participants are able to select from and which schools are included, further information can be found in the staffing areas spreadsheet or through the visual map.

For more information about specific schools that may be considered a priority in the Grow Your Own - Teacher Training Program, please contact growyourownteachers@det.nsw.edu.au.

On successful completion of the participant’s studies, the department will appoint the participant in a permanent full-time position in a NSW public school located in one of the participant’s nominated Principal Networks.

We understand that circumstances will vary and we will work with participants on a case-by-case basis. If a participant was to be employed part-time as a teacher during the service commitment period, this would be pro-rata, for example, five years at three days per week.

No, participants will be required to work as a teacher in a NSW public school for a minimum of three years upon completion of their studies.