Launched in 2020 as part of the Federal Government’s High Achieving Teachers Program, Nexus enables high-performing professionals to transition from other careers while gaining practical experience in school settings.

Students take part in an accelerated 18-month (or two year) Master of Teaching (Secondary) or Master of Teaching (Primary), whilst undertaking paid employment in schools. On top of their salary, they also benefit from financial support.

The 90 Nexus participants across Victoria and NSW will simultaneously undertake a Master of Teaching (Primary) and receive support, mentorship and tailored instruction to address the unique teaching needs of their respective urban, regional or remote schools.

Dr Elliott Child graduated from the Nexus (Secondary) program in 2022 and is one of 17 Nexus participants who have gone through Wodonga Senior Secondary College. Child has remained at the school and teaches Humanities.

“Before entering secondary teaching, I was a teacher and researcher in universities in Australia and Canada and received a doctorate in Human Geography from the University of British Colombia,” Child said.

“The Nexus program provided the key ingredients I needed to transition to teaching, including excellent professional mentoring, rigorous theoretical learning within a network of motivated peers and extensive classroom experience.

“I’m proud to now be a mentor to emerging Nexus teachers.”

Eighty-three per cent of program participants have graduated or on track to graduate, 94 per cent are teaching after graduating from the Nexus program and 82 per cent of graduates are teaching in schools with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) value below or equal to 1000 after completing the program.

The contribution of Nexus in hard-to-staff regional and rural schools was recognised this time last year with significant funding of $7.9 million from the Albanese Government to expand the program into primary schools.

La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the expansion into NSW primary schools marked an important milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages and improve student outcomes.

“Since 2020, Nexus has been instrumental in preparing educators for regional, rural and hard-to-staff school environments through its innovative approach,” Farrell said.

“By expanding into NSW primary schools, we are helping to ensure that every student in NSW and Victoria has equitable access to quality education, regardless of their background or location.”

The key to Nexus’ success according to La Trobe, lies in the strong partnerships between the university, schools and local communities. La Trobe works with 109 partner schools across NSW and Victoria.

La Trobe’s School of Education’s Professor Joanna Barbousas has been at the forefront of evidence-informed approaches that respond to workforce pressures and deliver excellence in high-needs schools.

“We are proud of Nexus’ proven track record in preparing dedicated teachers who are committed to serving and making a difference in their communities,” Barbousas said.

“Graduates of our Nexus program are exceptionally passionate and committed to working in schools – a huge win for students and their communities.”

Most of the program’s participants come from diverse professional backgrounds, including journalism and marketing, and STEM-related fields such as applied mathematics, agriculture, pharmacy and engineering.

During the program, participants receive wrap-around support from a La Trobe academic mentor and a school-based mentor and also gain access to the Nexus peer network and attend two in-person intensives by La Trobe, with travel and accommodation reimbursed.

The first cohort of Victorian Nexus (Primary) students started in March this year and the first NSW cohort will start this month. They will be placed in schools from Term 4.

La Trobe will be opening applications in August for Semester One 2025 Master of Teaching for Primary and Secondary courses at its Sydney campus.

Key Demographic Data 2020-23 of the qualifications/careers of Nexus participants

  • All Nexus program participants have at least an undergraduate level qualification.
  • 60 per cent of program participants are career changers.
  • Program participants come from diverse careers other than teaching, including STEM-related careers such as applied mathematics, science, agriculture, pharmacy and engineering (software, chemical, civil), along with health and allied health services, journalism and marketing.
  • Fifty-seven per cent of participants are female, 41 per cent male and 2 per cent non-binary, and 62 per cent of program participants are engaged in service and volunteer work in low socio-economic communities.

Nexus is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers Program with the support of the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The NSW pilot primary program is a collaboration between La Trobe University, the NSW Department of Education, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga and the Catholic Education Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn. The program works with 109 partner schools in NSW and Victoria, including 35 regional schools, 34 rural schools and 40 schools in metro areas.