Trainees head to disadvantaged schools

A landmark education program that puts the brightest trainee teachers into disadvantaged schools across Queensland is expanding after its first year. Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) Faculty of Education is recruiting its top third-year Bachelor of Education students to complete specialised training to teach at disadvantaged schools. So far, 24 trainee teachers completed work placements at regional and remote schools from Thursday Island, in the north, to Caboolture, Beenleigh and Redbank Plains, in the southeast. The 'Exceptional Teachers for Disadvantaged Schools' project will take a second cohort of 30 students in July, chosen for their high grade point averages and commitment to ending educational disadvantage. Senior lecturer Dr Bruce Burnett, also program co-ordinator, said the QUT-funded program had been "incredibly well-received". He said the program was unique because students stayed within the Bachelor of Education program but received specialised tuition, mentoring and completed intensive placements in low SES schools over two years.