Australia’s leading universities, the Group of Eight (Go8), has welcomed a commitment from the Federal Opposition to ensure high-achieving Australians are encouraged to consider teaching as a career.
Go8 Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson, said “teaching as a profession is a national priority. We must do all we can to ensure we develop and deliver the highest quality teachers to Australia’s classrooms.
“The Go8 has been at the forefront in this effort. On the global stage, Go8 universities are Australia’s leading universities in Education: All Go8 universities are ranked in the top 100 globally for Education programs and four are ranked in the top 15 of universities globally for Education programs: The University of Melbourne at 6th; The University of Sydney at 12th; Monash University at 14th and The University of Queensland at 15th in the world.
“The Go8 views the combination of broader life experience, including workforce experience, alongside teacher education as critical to success. The announcement that postgraduate degrees will form part of this support initiative is particularly welcome.”
Go8 universities believe very strongly in the need to continue professionalising Australia’s workforce in the context of a more disrupted 21st century economy.
“By providing competitive further support for top achievers that are considering a second career, this policy sends a clear signal about the value of teaching as well as the importance of postgraduate education.
“Making sure we have the best teachers in our classrooms is a priority for Go8 universities; supporting the professionalisation of Australia’s workforce is critical business for the Go8 and why we are pleased to support this policy.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155