Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, on Thursday announced the Teach Local scholarship at Charles Darwin University.
“The CLP Government has recognised the need to develop a skilled workforce here in the Territory, and the best way to do that is to stop our Territory students moving down South for their studies and never returning,” Hersey said.
The scholarship is a four-year program supporting 15 Territorians each year to become teachers.
To complement the Teach Local scholarships, the Government has also announced what it calls the Teach Up North incentive, which offers up to 25 student teachers a $5000 incentive to complete their final placement in the NT – and commit to at least two years working in a Territory government school.
“To complement our efforts to develop a skilled workforce in the Territory, we need interstate migration and the teach up North incentive will help us do just that,” Hersey explained.
Just as in every other state and territory, the teacher shortage crisis has bitten hard in the NT.
Following the recruitment of 89 teachers for Term 3, a NT Department of Education spokesman said there were still 82 reported vacancies across the Territory.
“To complement our efforts to develop a skilled workforce in the Territory, we need interstate migration and the Teach Up North incentive will help us do just that,” Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey. PHOTO: Jo Hersey/Facebook
While supportive of the Government’s efforts to address teacher shortages, Australian Education Union NT (AEU NT) president Michelle Ayres said she did not believe advertised vacancies were a true reflection on the gravity of the situation.
“In many cases, roles that would make a real difference aren’t advertised at all — they’re quietly absorbed by staff who are already at capacity,” Ayres told the NT News.
“The reality is that more teachers are needed to implement strong programs and engage students well.”
“That will help to keep both the students and the teachers in schools.”
Complicating the shortage crisis has been the Territory’s transitioning away from the middle school model to a new, comprehensive secondary education system across Darwin, Palmerston, and Alice Springs that includes Years 7-12 in one school, new industry and trade colleges, and in the process creates a more connected, inclusive, and future-focused education system.
The gradual transition of students will commence in 2026 in Darwin and Palmerston and 2027 in Alice Springs, with the full transition to the new design completed by the end of 2028.
The new incentives follow the Government’s commitment to give teachers financial certainty by moving them off short term contracts into permanent places, aimed at giving educators the confidence to put down roots in the Territory.
“We know locally trained teachers are more likely to stay long term and we also know we need to keep attracting great new talent from across Australia to grow the Territory economy,” Hersey said.
“This is about giving teachers certainty and giving our students the best education possible.”
Charles Darwin University (CDU) vice-chancellor and president, Professor Scott Bowman said CDU is proud to play a central role in preparing the Territory’s next generation of teachers.
“The ‘Teach Local’ scholarships ensure that passionate Territorians can gain the best training and support right here at CDU, before stepping into classrooms where their skills are most needed,” Bowman said.
Recipients of the Teach Local scholarship will receive $5000 per year over the course of their studies, part-time work in an NT Government school and a guaranteed permanent position upon completion of their degree.
In order to qualify, they must be NT residents of at least three months before applying, provide proof of enrolment through SATAC and have a personal and professional referee.
They also need to be available to start a full-time teaching degree the semester following their application, and, commit to teaching in an NT Government school for at least two years.
Recipients of the Teach up North incentive will receive a one-off $5000 payment and will be guaranteed a permanent position upon competition of their degree.
It is a requirement that they complete their final professional placement in an NT government school and sign a contract to teach in the Territory for a minimum of two years.
They must also meet national teacher training and assessment requirements, demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, hold a valid Working with Children Clearance, and, have the right to work in Australia.
