Education awarded extra places to meet high demand
To help address significant staff shortages in the education sector, the Federal Government has allocated the University of the Sunshine Coast an additional 55 student teaching places, commencing in 2007.
Thirty places have been allocated to the new Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)/Human Services and 25 to the new specialisation in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in programs such as the Graduate Diploma in Education and the Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Business.
“There is a huge shortage of ICT teachers across the state which makes this field a high priority for Education Queensland,” said Associate Professor Juhani Tuovinen.
“A qualified education/ICT professional from USC will have both ICT industry and education employment opportunities.”
The new combined degree, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)/Human Services, was also developed to cater for an increased demand in the market, in this case for qualified professionals specialising in early childhood.
Tania Aspland, Professor and Education Director at USC, says the combined degree will bring a comprehensive understanding of development and learning to the schooling and early childhood sectors. She believes there is currently a growing need for qualified teachers and childcare workers for a number of significant reasons.
“Firstly, there is increasing pressure for both parents, or guardians, to take up positions in the workforce due to economic hardship or desire,” Professor Aspland said.
“Secondly, in developing countries, governments are recognising the significance of quality early childhood education in supporting family and community development.
And lastly, and of significance to USC, Queensland has recently trialled and introduced a thirteenth year of schooling, the Preparatory Year, which will result in an increased demand for early childhood teachers.”
The degree will provide a rich professional development for students and two career pathways on completion. Graduates can either follow a career in community services, welfare and families, or may choose to focus on early childhood as child-care workers and teachers.
“This combined degree aims to graduate teachers and childcare workers who have developed deep insights into the human services that enhance family structures, community development and the welfare of young children growing up in contemporary and future societies,” Lecturer at the University, Jan Foster said.