Rural Experience Program

Recently, I embarked on an incredible journey with the Teach NSW team and 47 pre-service teachers, better known as the Beyond the Line Program. I was fortunate enough to gain an insight into teaching and learning in regional and rural NSW public schools, which to be honest, was something I hadn’t had the chance of experiencing prior to this opportunity.

As a result of ‘taking over’ socials as @giftedandtalentedteacher, through @teachnsw, I had many current teachers reaching out and asking me questions around how they too could experience what life is like teaching in the glorious NSW countryside. The good news is the Rural Experience Program provides the opportunity for permanent, temporary or casual teachers to take up a short term placement in a rural or remote NSW public school.

Successful applicants will be eligible for a program allowance consisting of $500 (gross) per week in addition to their teaching salary for the duration of their placement. Applications will be opening soon, so subscribe to receive program updates.

NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships

Current teachers are also able to apply for a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship. If you are seeking to deepen your subject knowledge and grow your network, applications are now open. Permanent and temporary teachers in NSW government and non-government schools, TAFE NSW campuses and early childhood centres are all encouraged to apply.

There are 12 scholarships available across a range of key learning areas and successful applicants will be eligible to receive a grant of $10,000 to $15,000 to complete a five-week study tour within Australia or internationally.

The NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships include:

• Premier's Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship

• Premier's Creativity across the Curriculum Scholarship

• Premier's Early Childhood Education Scholarship

• Premier’s University of NSW Rural and Remote Education Scholarship

• Premier's Hicksons Lawyers STEM Scholarship

• Premier's History Teachers' Association History Scholarship

• Premier’s Inclusive Education Scholarship

• Premier's NESA Quality Teaching Scholarship

• Premier's Reserve Bank of Australia Economics Scholarship

• Premier's Teachers Mutual Bank Aboriginal Education Scholarship

• Premier's University of Sydney Mathematics Scholarship

• Premier's Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship

The scholarships aim to improve outcomes for students, teacher colleagues and the wider school community. As a scholarship recipient you will be able to develop a tailored itinerary to explore your field of teaching expertise and visit some of the most acclaimed schools and centres for teaching and training in Australia and around the world. At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the opportunity to share your learnings with the broader school community and work towards implementing best practice teaching methods in the classroom.

If the information above has caught your interest, you can visit the NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships webpage to find out more about eligibility and decide which scholarship is the right fit for you. Applications close 11:59pm (AEST) Friday, 3 May 2024.

2024 Public Education Awards

The Public Education Foundation's Public Education Awards are now open for nominations.

The awards recognise current teachers, among other groups, including students, school staff and parents, for their exceptional achievement and contribution to public education.

Included in the categories this year is the Secretary’s Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. This award recognises and celebrates those that proactively advocate for and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging, and is open to all current employees of the NSW Department of Education, including casual staff, temporary staff and contractors.

Nominations for current teachers can be submitted in the following categories:

• Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service - Teaching and School Operations
• Secretary’s Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Visit the Public Education Awards webpage to find out more and nominate. Nominations close Tuesday, 14 May 2024.

Winners of Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence will be presented with their awards at the Public Education Awards event, to be held at Sydney Town Hall on Monday, 5 August 2024.

For further information, please call the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806, or email info@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.