The Hon Julie Bishop MP - Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues

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Media Release

Rewarding Australia’s high quality teachers

8 May 2007

BUDB 22/07

Australia’s best teachers will be recognised and rewarded with the opportunity to participate in a new Summer Schools for Teachers programme announced as part of the 2007-08 Budget today.

Funding of $101.7 million over four years is being allocated for the establishment and ongoing implementation of the Realising Our Potential – Australian Government Summer Schools for Teachers initiative. The new programme will provide additional training to teachers in one of five disciplines (Literacy and Numeracy, English, Mathematics, Science and Australian History) and will be fully funded by the Australian Government, including travel and accommodation expenses. The Australian Government will also reward each teacher with a $5,000 bonus on completion of the course.

"The quality of teaching staff in Australian schools has a direct impact on student achievement. This initiative will enable our top teachers to further enhance their professional skills and contribute to improving overall student outcomes," the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, said.

"1,000 teachers from government and non-government schools will be selected annually to participate in the 10-day residential programme, which will provide up-to-date, research-based training for teachers from across the country, including from rural and remote schools."

"These leading teachers will be able to share their knowledge and skills and mentor other teachers within their schools."

Teachers will be recommended for participation by their school and selected by the Australian Government. The first Summer School will be held in January 2008.

Media Contacts
Minister Bishop’s Office:	Tory Vidler	0414 228 727
Dept of Education, Science & Training:	Virginia Cook	0412 971 323
Non-media queries:	1300 363 079

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

Teacher quality is a critical factor in improving student outcomes.

The Summer Schools programme will equip teachers with up-to-date, research-based knowledge and skills in the key disciplines of Literacy and Numeracy, English, Mathematics, Science and Australian History.

Teachers who participate in the Summer Schools programme will be well placed to provide mentoring support for their colleagues in schools.

Who will benefit?

School students across Australia will benefit from this measure, because the quality of the education school students receive has a direct link to outcomes and participation in further education, training and work.

The 4,000 teachers selected to attend the Summer Schools programme over the four years 2008-2011 will also receive direct reward for participation in this initiative, with a $5000 bonus on completion of the programme.

Government and non-government schools across Australia from which nominated teachers are drawn, and their communities, will benefit as the teachers selected will provide leadership and support to their schools in their area of expertise.

The Australia community will benefit from improvements to productivity and higher participation in the workforce resulting from high quality school education

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

$101.7 million over four years.

What have we done in the past?

The Australian Government has delivered $33 billion in funding for school education over the 2005-08 quadrennium, including a significant contribution to improving teacher quality.

The Australian Government has committed $300 million in funding from 2005 to 2009 for the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme, which aims to improve teacher quality and the professional standing of teachers.

When will the initiative conclude?

The Australian Government Summer Schools for Teachers programme is an ongoing initiative.