Growing teachers where they're needed most

In 2023, Charles Sturt University introduced a program to address the teacher shortage in traditionally hard-to-staff areas and provide community members with the opportunity to start a career in teaching. The Grow Your Own Local Teacher Pipeline program allows participants to gain valuable on-the-job experience as educational paraprofessionals in a local NSW public secondary school, while completing their teaching qualification with Charles Sturt.

Upon completion, participants will graduate as qualified secondary teachers and be offered a teaching position at a NSW public school within their agreed-upon location. This program helps increase the number of teachers in regional Australia; recognises prior vocational qualifications; and offers flexible, supported and online learning pathways to help students balance work, life and study.