An outstanding group of Tasmania’s aspiring teachers were today inducted into a program aimed at increasing excellence in education.

The Secretary of the Department of Education, Colin Pettit, said the Partnerships in Teaching Excellence (PiTE) program was helping to shape university students into the teachers of tomorrow. 

“PiTE 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.

“The year-long program identifies elite potential teachers in the final year of their teaching degree at University and provides ongoing mentoring and extensive classroom experience in schools.”

Mr Pettit said the program, now in its fourth year, was the result of a partnership between the Department of Education and the University of Tasmania.

“The school experience allows pre-service teachers to hit the ground running in schools, to understand more effectively how students learn and what it takes to make a difference as a teacher.

“It allows them to form a deep connection and relationship with the school, the students and the curriculum,” he said.

Mr Pettit said the new intake of 23 hopefuls was chosen through an extensive selection process to ensure the most appropriate candidates were identified.

“The intake was chosen based on evidence of academic achievement, their commitment to the profession, and their student-focussed approach to teaching.

“The program is highly regarded and supported by principals and teachers, who also gain from the opportunity to mentor the up-and-comers.

“Those who complete the elite program and meet all the criteria are placed in permanent teaching jobs with the Department,” Mr Pettit said.

Pre-service teachers are placed in low SES schools for the program, and then take a place with that school when they graduate.

The schools benefiting this year are:

• Jordan River Learning Federation
• Rokeby Primary School
• Moonah Primary School
• Rokeby High School
• Montrose Bay High School
• St Leonards Primary School
• Mayfield Primary School
• Brooks High School

“Students selected for the program received a contribution towards the HECS component of their education studies,  a laptop and an offer of a permanent position with the Department of Education when they complete their studies,” Mr Pettit said.

“The program follows a global push to increase excellence in teaching.”