T eaching students to work in Catholic schools to address the COVID – 19
teacher shortage and plan for future workforce needs
In a joint partnership between Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the National
Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), teach er education students will be employed in
NSW Catholic schools as paraprofessionals to address the growing shortage of teachers and
provide paid, in – the – classroom experience.
The plan will not only address the short – term challenges posed by COVID – 19, it is part of a
long – term strategy to place hig hly trained, workplace – ready graduates into Australian
Catholic schools and early childhood education centres.
From this week, paraprofessionals will be employed as Education or Learning Support
Officers, joini ng the workforce in NSW Catholic schools that are challenged by the ongoing
COVID – 19 pandemic. Other states and territor ies across Australia are expected to join the
program as part of a national r oll out.
Teacher education students, who have already undertaken substantial in – school
professional experience, will be directly involved in supporting teachers in the classroom
and those working remotely. This will support the co ntinued delivery of high – quality
learning and teaching in our schools.
Th e paraprofessionals will be employed up to four days per week with in – school mentoring
and support from AC U. This flexibility ensures they have time to complete their university
studies and to meet the requirements of their final professional experience so they can
graduate and join the workforce.
Photo/on – camera interview opportunity.
St Clare’s Catholic High School, Hassall Grove (Western Sydne y) has employed five
ACU pre – service teachers as paraprofessionals commencing this week.
