Class act

Teach For Australia’s mission is to address educational inequality.

It does so by focusing on leadership in education – recognising this as the key to improving struggling schools and to equipping young people with the skills they need to reach their full potential.

To achieve this goal, the not-for-profit organisation relies on donations to help turn highly motivated Australians into exceptional educators who are prepared to work in sometimes challenging low-socioeconomic communities across the nation.

The ability of these teachers to instil a lifelong love of learning in struggling students is particularly prized in rural and remote parts of the nation.

It was the chance to make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged students, combined with the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best educators in the business, that convinced Will Sloss to join Teach for Australia’s (TFA's) flagship leadership development program.

“I don’t think I would have had the same support and encouragement if I had entered teaching the traditional way,” said Mr Sloss.

“I have an amazing mentor – they are so caring and nurturing and I feel really lucky.”

Mr Sloss said while teaching isn’t the easiest job, it can be incredibly rewarding.

“If you’re thinking about changing your career to become a teacher, it’s never too late.

“I tried out a few different degrees and careers before I landed where I am. You can bring your newfound energy and passion paired with decades of prior experience to make a positive impact.”

Teach for Australia acting CEO Jane Phipps said it was important to connect exceptional teachers with disadvantaged students.

"We know that there is vast inequity in Australia's education system – the postcode in which you are born radically impacts your future,” said Ms Phipps.

“The communities we partner with face that reality head-on.

“They value the motivated, talented people we recruit to our leadership development program, who bring diverse career experiences and subject matter expertise to their classrooms.”

Ms Phipps said teachers were selected for their leadership ability, resilience, social justice motivation and ability to manage the workload of the program.

She said the rigorous selection process was justified by the high percentage of alumni – 88% – who remained in the education system after completing TFA's programs.