[CDU eNews] - NEW COURSES TO BOOST TEACHERS

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

New courses to boost teachers

Charles Darwin University is gearing up to meet the need for teachers in
the Northern Territory with the launch this year of four new programs - and
a reminder that prospective students can apply now as part of the
University's annual mid-year intake.

Ms Margaret Landrigan, course planning and quality officer in the Faculty
of Education, Health and Science, said today: "These four courses have been
developed specifically to address the needs of teachers in the Northern
Territory.

"They are a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), a Graduate Certificate of
Education, a Master of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Accelerated
Literacy."

Ms Landrigan said 91 students had enrolled in these courses at the start of
this year.

"Positions are also available in these courses - and others - for those who
want to enrol mid-year.

"Charles Darwin University last year completed 109 teachers and the
majority of them take up teaching positions here in the Territory.  With
the expansion of courses being offered, we hope to steadily increase the
numbers of locally trained teachers."

Ms Landrigan said students completing the Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
would be able to find teaching positions in general secondary education,
middle years and in VET programs.

"This course aims to develop skills and knowledge required to engage in
lifelong learning and continued professional development, operate
effectively within educative contexts and recognise environmental, social
and cultural influences on teaching and learning," she said.

Ms Landrigan said the Graduate Certificate of Education was a short,
accredited course for professional development. "The aim is to extend the
practical and theoretical knowledge of teachers and educators in specialist
areas of education and to enable graduates to be leaders in their
specialist area."

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate can enrol in the Master of
Education by course work.

"The Master of Education allows students to extend their understanding of
education within the context of their professional employment. They can
specialise in Educational Leadership, Professional Studies and Teaching
English as a Second Language."

Ms Landrigan said the Graduate Certificate in Accelerated Literacy was
aimed at current teachers.

"Successful entrants will receive training on implementing the methodology
and will be required to reflect on practice in the classroom. This course
represents an opportunity for existing teaching practitioners to receive
high-level training and develop understanding and expertise in the
innovative Accelerated Literacy pedagogy.

"The establishment of this course represents a collaborative endeavour
between Charles Darwin University and the Department of Employment,
Education and Training to address the training needs of our teachers to
overcome student disadvantage, particularly within the domain of Indigenous
literacy."

Deadline for admissions for the mid-year intake is May 31. An Information
Night will be held on Wednesday 18 May. For further information, dial 08
8946 7766, email  courses at cdu.edu.au or visit the website on
http://www.cdu.edu.au/enrolnow/


Margaret Landrigan is available for interview


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

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