A clever Tasmania is characterised by high quality teachers and improved educational standards, Premier David Bartlett said today.

He was speaking at the opening of the Teacher Learning Centre at Rokeby High School today.

"This new centre will help Tasmania's aspiring teachers gain more experience and provide further training for existing teachers.

"This is another step in the Government's drive to improve the performance of students throughout the State.

"We are already well on the way to improving the educational outcomes of Tasmanian students and this new centre is part of that strategy.

"It will be used by student teachers, post-graduate students and as a training venue for Department of Education teachers and other staff.

"The $600,000 the Government has spent provides leading edge information technology for online learning and a 100-seat conference room which can be divided into smaller spaces," Mr Bartlett said.

"It is a key part of a partnership between the State Government and the University of Tasmania.

"Partnerships in Teaching Excellence is a collaborative and innovative approach to support high quality teaching in Tasmania through the whole cycle - from pre-service to early career and beyond.

"As part of the partnership this year 19 second year, University of Tasmania Bachelor of Teaching students are being mentored by five experienced Department of Education teachers.

"They are based with colleague teachers at Rokeby Primary, Warrane Primary, Glenorchy Primary, Rokeby High and Rosetta High.

"In addition, students selected for the program receive a HECS repayment for the Bachelor of Teaching component of their studies, a laptop and, on the satisfactory completion of their studies, an offer of a permanent position with the Department of Education.

"The University of Tasmania and the Department of Education have also reached an agreement that allows all teachers to undertake further study at the University of Tasmania without direct cost to teachers.

"To date 166 staff have taken advantage of University of Tasmania HECS scholarships, representing a $184,214 contribution from the University.

"The State Government, along with other states and territories and the Australian Government, has recognised the importance of quality teaching through the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Teacher Quality.

"As well as the set-up costs, the State Government is providing $318,000 annually as a co-contribution to the national partnership and the partnership between the State Government and the University of Tasmania forms the basis of Tasmania's response.

"Through the national partnership it is hoped that the program will be extended to the North-West of the State.

"The Teacher Learning Centre and our partnership with the University will ensure that our teachers at the coalface of Tasmanian education have the support and skills they need," Mr Bartlett said.