Ten student teachers at Edith Cowan University’s South West Campus will get the opportunity to finish their fourth year of study at a local primary school.
The students will be the first to take part in a pilot internship program at Kingston Primary School with a Memorandum of Agreement to be signed between the Department of Education and Training and ECU.
Kingston Primary School, in Australind, is under construction and due to open in 2009.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the students would be merit selected for the program which would give them hands on experience.
“The program remodels the fourth year syllabus by integrating theory with practical lessons,” Mr McGowan said.
“Kingston Primary School will be responsible for selecting 10 accomplished teachers, based on merit, to coach and mentor interns.
“The university will select lecturers who will also provide a coaching, mentoring and support service to interns.
“What’s wonderful about this program is that the interns can undertake relief teaching in Term Two, as long as they receive a Limited Authority to Teach from the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT).
“The students will also be eligible for a final-year scholarship and will be guaranteed employment in a public school when they complete their internship successfully.”
Collie-Wellington MLA Mick Murray said the interns would engage in all facets of teaching, including use of reporting software, planning, behaviour management and literacy and numeracy development.
“High-performing teachers will give these students an insight into the profession from in an ideal setting,” Mr Murray said.
“In the current competitive job market we have to be innovative in how we attract and retain good teachers.
“This internship will not only produce competent and experienced staff it will introduce them to the public school system in a supportive way.
“The pilot program will run from February to December next year and will be subject to a review.”
Minister's office – 9222 9111 
