Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow: Revolutionizing Teacher Training in Victoria

In Victoria's bustling schools, a innovative solution is addressing the pressing teacher shortage: the Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow programs. These employment-based teaching degrees allow aspiring educators to earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience and completing their qualifications. Designed for career changers and those passionate about secondary education, these initiatives are transforming how Victorians enter the teaching profession.

Victoria's Teacher Shortage: The Context Behind the Programs

The Victorian education system faces significant challenges with teacher supply, particularly in secondary schools and priority regions. According to recent forecasts, the state could be short more than 2,000 teachers by 2030, with deficits in key areas like mathematics, science, and specialist subjects. Rural and regional schools, along with those serving disadvantaged communities, are hit hardest, leading to larger class sizes and reliance on unqualified staff. High attrition rates, driven by workload, pay disputes, and burnout, exacerbate the issue. In 2024, Victoria registered thousands more teachers than previous years, yet demand outpaces supply amid population growth and rising enrollment.

The Victorian Government has responded aggressively, investing $59.4 million in Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow to fund up to 1,200 places from 2023 to 2025. This funding supports scholarships and employment, aiming to fast-track qualified teachers into classrooms where they're needed most.

What Are Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow Programs?

Launched by the Victorian Department of Education, these programs offer postgraduate Master of Teaching degrees (typically 1.5 to 2 years) combined with paid employment in government secondary or specialist schools. Participants start as education support staff or paraprofessionals with 'Permission to Teach' registration, allowing them to work under supervision while studying.

The structure blends intensive university coursework with practical placements. In year one, candidates undertake full-time or intensive study blocks (6-12 weeks), supported by scholarships. By year two, they transition to more teaching responsibilities. Priority is given to high-need subjects like English, Maths, Science, and Specialist Studies, plus a complementary area.

Key Differences: Teach Today vs. Teach Tomorrow

While both programs share the employment-based model, they differ in intensity and entry points. Teach Today emphasizes immediate immersion: year one features up to 12 weeks of intensive study followed by paraprofessional work with a $3,000 one-off payment. Providers include Deakin University's Regional and Inclusive Secondary Education (RISE), University of Melbourne's Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship (MTSI), and Teach for Australia's Leadership Development Program.

Teach Tomorrow offers a phased approach: full-time study for the first 6-12 months (with optional support work), backed by up to $16,000 scholarship, then paraprofessional transition. Participating universities are Australian Catholic University (Teach Now Victoria - TNV), Federation University, La Trobe University (Nexus Teaching Program, including primary options), RMIT University (Master of Teaching Practice), Swinburne University, and Victoria University (Master of Applied Teaching - EMAT).

Eligibility: Who Qualifies for These Opportunities?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree with sufficient study in two teaching methods subjects (e.g., English/Maths/Science). They must commit to priority locations—rural, regional, or hard-to-staff schools—and demonstrate merit, potential, and fit. Provider-specific requirements apply, such as interviews or academic thresholds. Career changers from fields like IT, business, or STEM are ideal, bringing diverse perspectives to classrooms.

• Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Working with Children Check
• Ability to relocate if needed
• Strong interpersonal skills and passion for education

Recent expansions open undergraduate pathways for existing education support staff, trialed with $13.9 million funding via Federation University.

Participating Universities and Program Specifics

Nine providers deliver tailored programs. For instance, Deakin's RISE targets regional inclusive education, while RMIT's Master of Teaching Practice integrates practical placements from day one. La Trobe's Nexus extends to primary schools, broadening access. Each university handles admissions; schools recruit participants via non-advertised job openings guided by Department resources.

Visit the Victorian Government postgraduate employment-based degrees page for provider contacts and fact sheets.

Financial and Employment Benefits

Participants earn while learning: paraprofessional salaries start around $70,000-$80,000 pro-rata, plus scholarships ($3,000-$16,000 taxable). No HECS debt for many components, reducing barriers. Schools gain dedicated staff committed long-term, often staying post-graduation. The model addresses financial hurdles for mature-age entrants, with over 1,200 spots filled recently.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Research providers and ensure subject prerequisites.

2. Apply directly to university programs (deadlines vary, e.g., March for some 2026 intakes).

3. Secure employment: Schools post openings via Department portals; use the 'Creating an ITE Employment-based Job Opening' guide.

4. Gain Permission to Teach and commence study/work.

Selection considers school needs, candidate merit, and availability. Early applications advised amid high demand.

Real-World Impacts and Participant Perspectives

These programs have placed hundreds in classrooms, contributing to 6,600+ new registrations in 2026. While official testimonials highlight seamless transitions, online forums like Reddit note challenges: intense workloads, variable support, and scholarship logistics. One participant shared, 'It's demanding but rewarding—real classroom time builds confidence fast.' Balanced views emphasize preparation for Victoria's demanding schools.

Check the government's workforce strategy page for broader impacts.

Expansions and Future Outlook

2024 saw undergraduate extensions for support staff, building on postgraduate success. With national plans like the Teacher Workforce Action Plan, Victoria leads in innovative recruitment. Projections show sustained demand, but programs like these, plus incentives ($50,000 rural bonuses), promise stability. Future may include early childhood or TAFE alignments, though current focus remains K-12 secondary.

How Schools Can Host Participants

Government schools in priority areas advertise via Recruitment Online. Fact sheets per provider outline hosting duties: supervision, mentoring, facilities. Benefits include trial periods for permanent hires, easing shortages. Over 1,200 placements underscore program scalability.

As Victoria invests in its 'Education State' vision, Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow empower diverse talents to shape tomorrow's learners. Aspiring teachers, explore these pathways to make an immediate difference.