By Molly Magennis
Victoria University (VU) is offering fully-funded early childhood teaching degrees for eligible students, to help combat the shortage of degree-qualified teachers in the sector.
The university is partnering with the state government to offer up to 300 diploma-qualified kindergarten and early childhood educators the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching degree.
The demand for degree-qualified teachers is increasing as the government rolls out its new three-year old kindergarten program across the state.
All eligible students can receive a state government scholarship worth $25,000 to cover their course fees and extras.
Instead of running for three years, it will be condensed into two as credit for students’ previous study.
Students who partake in the degree will have the support of a VU-appointed mentor during their placements.
They will not need to come to the university for class, but rather will be required to go to class twice a week via Zoom after work. Once a month on a Saturday, students attend an in-person class, ideally at a site in their local government area.
VU associate professor Mary-Rose McLaren said the university designed the program for educators who are currently working in the field, however this is not necessary to enrol in the course.
“If applicants are already working, they can do much of their placement and assessments in their workplace, and continue being paid for their work as usual,” she said.
A Zoom information meeting about the course will take place on Thursday, June 9 at 7pm.
The next intake of students is in August.
Those interested can register for the meeting at vu.edu.au/upskill-diploma-to-degree.
