7 April 2022
Six Aboriginal Teacher Education students who graduate today will help to build the capacity of Aboriginal educators in remote schools.
The graduands from Galiwin’ku and Milingimbi are amongst a cohort of students from across the NT who will this year receive Undergraduate Certificate Remote Educators qualifications that pave the way for them to become fully-trained teachers. Seven others will graduate in Alice Springs in June, with further students expected to complete their studies by September.
The RATE model, which now encompasses the previous Assistant Teacher Project, streamlines support for Aboriginal educators through delivery of a targeted suite of professional learning opportunities, including non-accredited training; Vocational Education and Training, and tertiary education qualifications.
The Territory Labor Government has allocated $1.9 million to the RATE program this financial year and plans to expand the investment in the coming years.
Charles Darwin University and Batchelor Institute provide tertiary content through on-site and online workshops as well as course delivery for assistant teachers in the VET pipeline; with a number of smaller Registered Training Organisations assisting with the VET component.
This year the number of Aboriginal educators involved in the RATE program is expected to increase to 250 across 108 communities, with students from Adelaide River, Alice Springs Galiwinku, Groote Eylandt, Millingimbi, Nyirripi, Wooliana, Yipirinya School (in Alice Springs), and Yuendumu undertaking the tertiary component of the program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Lauren Moss:
“During consultations for our Education Engagement Strategy which was launched last year, families told us that schools need to be culturally responsive spaces, where staff have deep understanding of the local context and community.
“Our RATE model creates a talent pipeline that drives growth and ensures future sustainability of our Aboriginal educator workforce in Territory education settings.
“Teachers have the biggest in-school impact on positive student learning outcomes. Positive, energetic, culturally responsive and skilled educators motivate children and young people to engage in learning and experience success.”
