Move FM Regional news

Future generations of students in Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Oberon and Bathurst public schools will get a better education under a plan to be implemented by the NSW government next year.

The idea is to raise the benchmark for teachers.

Commencing in 2019, trainee-teachers will need to be better qualified, and will need to achieve certain benchmarks before being accepted.

Known as the new Teacher Success Profile (TSP), the program has developed a range of requirements for university graduates to meet to be eligible for employment in NSW public schools. The object is to ensure public schools are hiring the best and brightest aspiring teachers.

The five main criteria graduates must satisfy to be considered potential public school teachers are:

– to receive a minimum credit grade point average in their university degree.

– to prove sound practical knowledge and ability, which will be reflected by an assessment of every single practicum report.

– to show superior cognitive and emotional intelligence measured via a psychometric assessment.

– to demonstrate their commitment to the values of public education in a behavioural interview.

“Recognising that teaching is relational, individuals who complete an entirely online undergraduate teaching degree will not be preferenced for employment unless they live in a remote area, or face personal circumstances which make online education the only practical option,” the NSW Department of Education said in a statement released on Tuesday.

TSP will apply to all students commencing teaching degrees from 2019.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the TSP will help prepare the next generations for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

“The NSW Government is helping to create more jobs and it is important that students are prepared as best as possible for the challenges those new roles will bring,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Our public education system is world class and I want to give the people of NSW the confidence that it will remain excellent in the future.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes said when it comes to new teaching graduates, NSW public schools are spoilt for choice and deserve the very best.

“As the largest employer of teachers in the state, the NSW Government is passionate about ensuring that only the very best graduates end up in the public school system,” Mr Stokes said.

The NSW Government will now consult with principals and teachers about the TSP.