Teacher Education in Schools expanding for 2023

In 2022, the University’s Faculty of Education and Social Work partnered with seven secondary schools in south and east Auckland to offer the Teacher Education in Schools programme, which allows students to study for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) with the added benefits of being immersed in a school community.

As well as learning alongside experienced teachers, participating in school activities and generally taking part in school life, students are allotted time to access the online teaching programme run by the faculty, in the same way as other online students.

In 2023 there are up to an additional 40 places funded by the Ministry of Education, as well as 14 philanthropically funded places in the programme.

All places come with the same conditions of free fees and a $10,000 stipend to help with expenses.

Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Associate Professor Mark Barrow, is very pleased that substantially more places are being provided for 2023.

“The 2022 pilot has been very successful, which this Ministry of Education support recognises. We are pleased that in 2023 this support will enable us to increase the number of students in this programme.

“The 2022 programme would not have been possible without the support of a group of philanthropic donors committed to quality teacher preparation.”

Schools participating in the programme in 2022 – Saint Kentigern College, Onehunga High School, De La Salle College, King’s College, Tangaroa College and One Tree Hill College – will be joined in 2023 by Māngere College and Pukekohe High School.

Meanwhile, five schools in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) will also take part in the programme in 2023 - Whangārei Girls’ High School, Whangārei Boys’ High School, Kamo High School, Pompallier Catholic College and Tauaroa Area School.

Although based at one host school, students are able to complete their second practicum at a different school within the consortium, providing the opportunity to experience different school communities.

A recent evaluation of the programme concluded it was meeting the expectations of students and providing them with a chance to experience the daily life of the school.

It found the financial support had definitely made a difference in terms of allowing students to participate, and students reported a strong sense of belonging at their host schools.

Students especially noted the relationships they built with school staff as being important when they were making decisions about future employment.
 

A student on the programme this year says the real value for her has been the longevity of the relationships that can be built throughout the year.

“This has meant that I was meaningfully involved in craft club and debate club, and I also managed a netball team. I could see theory applied in practice over the year rather than in seven-week slots.”

She has also enjoyed the opportunity to observe teachers in a variety of subject areas.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to be in a department and school with mentors and school leaders who have allowed me flexibility in the hours I’ve been at school. This has meant that I can be present with my children, at school and with academic study.”

A total of 11 students from the inaugural programme are set to graduate at the end of 2022.
The evaluation was compiled from a survey and four focus groups involving University staff, teachers on the programme at participating schools and students on the course.

Teacher Education in Schools applicants for 2023 must have received an unconditional offer for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) from the faculty.