The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victorian teachers the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in inclusive education to continue supporting students of all abilities.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced that 71 government school teachers and regional support employees across the state have been successful in their application to undertake further studies supported by the Labor Government under round seven of the Master of Inclusive Education initiative.
Under the scheme, government school principals from about 1200 eligible schools across the state are encouraged to nominate teachers with a passion for inclusive education – with the latest round heavily oversubscribed by teachers keen to upskill themselves.
Teachers from schools that have not received a master’s in previous rounds are eligible for the initiative, which supports educators to complete a master’s degree in inclusive education or applied behaviour analysis.
By undertaking a postgraduate study in inclusive education, teachers can make a significant contribution to how their schools plan and support students with disabilities and additional learning needs, and with behaviours of concern using contemporary evidence-based, best practice approaches.
The long-term vision of the initiative is for every Victorian government school to have a masters-qualified inclusive education teacher on staff, creating and leading a more inclusive school environment for all students across the state, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds.
The Labor Government has invested nearly $1.6 billion in a Disability Inclusion Reform Agenda to ensure schools have the extra resources, support and guidance they need to create safe and inclusive environments so every student at every ability can thrive at school and in life.
Round 8 of the Master of Inclusive Education initiative will open on 1 March, 2022 – with 75 places available to teachers from eligible schools across the state. To view the list of available courses at a range of universities, please visit https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/profdev/Pages/inclusive-education-scholarship.aspx.
As stated by Minister for Education and Minister for Disability James Merlino
“Inclusive education is about making sure every child and young person – no matter their background or circumstance – has the best chance to succeed in school, work and in life.“
“It’s amazing to see such strong interest from Victorian schools and for this opportunity to further their knowledge and create better outcomes for students right across our state.“
