19 March 2013

The University of Queensland is leading the way in meeting new national teaching standards aimed at boosting the quality of graduate teachers.

The Master of Teaching (Primary), a new program offered through UQ’s School of Education, is the first of its kind in Queensland to address the far-reaching reforms proposed by the Australian Federal Government.

The program is specifically designed for people with undergraduate degrees to return to university and qualify as primary school teachers in four semesters of full-time study.

UQ’s educational policy expert and Queensland Studies Authority Governing Board member Professor Bob Lingard said the program would prepare students for the demands of the national curriculum and the high expectations of employers and the community.

“The program has been carefully designed to ensure that learning activities and assessment enable students to meet the national standards defined by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership and the Queensland College of Teachers,” he said.

“The Master of Teaching (Primary) will ensure schools have top quality teachers with both subject knowledge and teaching expertise in line with the intent of the national standards.”

UQ offers students the opportunity to complete on-the-job placements in schools, and focuses on research and development of teachers as reflective practitioners.

UQ School of Education Head, Professor Peter Renshaw said both components were indicative of UQ’s responsiveness and commitment to providing high quality graduates to the teaching profession.

“The School of Education has established itself nationally as the leader in education research, and the new program will provide graduates with access to such research and to evidence-informed approaches to quality teaching,” he said.

“With this new program we are helping to create the best quality teachers who in turn will help create bright futures for young people.

“The support and guidance provided by our team of facilitators for students on placements is key to achieving this goal.”

The Master of Teaching (Primary) will start in 2014 with applications taken via QTAC later this year.

For more information, contact UQ’s School of Education on 3365 6550 or email teacherprep@uq.edu.au.

Media: Professor Peter Renshaw, Head of the School of Education, The University of Queensland. P: (07) 3365 6227, E: p.renshaw@uq.edu.au.