A new paid pathway is set to make it easier to change careers and become a teacher in Tasmania.
The Change2Teaching program is offering 40 places across the North West and South, aimed at mid-career professionals and university graduates who have considered a career in teaching but may have been hindered by challenges like location or cost.
Offered as a partnership between the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and University of Tasmania, the program will pay a salary to participants while they study and work in local Tasmanian government schools.
It is supported by the Australian Government’s High Achieving Teachers (HAT) grants, which encourage more professionals to switch careers to teaching, and trial new ways to attract people to the profession.
Forty students who enrol in the University of Tasmania’s two-year Master of Teaching will be selected to participate in the pilot starting in 2027.
“There are people right across our community, with great life experience and a passion for making a difference in the Iives of young people, who would be great teachers. This initiative is designed to help them do just that,” University Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said.
“It helps to tackle the real challenges of recruiting and retaining talented teachers in our communities.
“It makes teacher education more accessible, strengthens the quality of training, and ensures we’re building a workforce where it’s needed most.”
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Change2Teaching program will help bring more people with diverse skills and life experience into Tasmania’s classrooms.
“The Change2Teaching program recognises that great teachers come from many different backgrounds, and we want to welcome people with valuable professional experience and real-world knowledge into our schools,” Minister Palmer said.
“By creating a practical pathway into teaching, we are opening the door for more Tasmanians to make the transition into a rewarding career in education and bring new perspectives into the classroom.
“The program also reflects recommendations from the 2024 Independent Review of Education in Tasmania, which called for increasing teacher numbers through employment-based pathways.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians by building a strong teaching workforce and ensuring the next generation of teachers is set up for success.”
Change2Teaching participants will spend 2–4 days in the classroom being mentored by experienced teachers and the remainder of the week in a regional study hub building skills and strengthening connections with colleagues and local teachers.
On completion of the Change2Teaching program, participants will secure permanent positions within the Department and continue teaching in Tasmanian government schools, supporting growth in teacher numbers across the state.
Applications are open now and close on 30 August.
For more information regarding the program offering for 2027, visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/C2T
Or join us at Open Day in Launceston (The Workshop), Hobart (The Forest) or Burnie (Field Building), where you can chat with our team.
For general enquiries please contact: Change2Teaching@decyp.tas.gov.au.