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Student gains $10,000 to be a maths teacher
It all adds up that University of the Sunshine Coast student Jemma Stevens is a worthy recipient of a $10,000 Queensland Government scholarship.
Jemma, 24, loves maths and physics, was inspired by her high school teachers, is a high-achiever in her USC Education degree and wants to teach in a remote school next year.
Now Jemma’s determination and ambition have been recognised with the scholarship from the Queensland Department of Education and Training (DET).
“I’m really excited about the future,” said the Buddina resident.
Jemma, who is in the fourth and final year of her double degree in Education and Science at USC, has applied for a rural or remote school to experience “a different culture” after growing up around Montville.
She is looking forward to teaching in the areas of most need – mathematics B and C, chemistry and physics.
“My mum is a primary teacher and I had really inspiring teachers at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, where I excelled in maths,” she said.
Jemma is now tutoring University students in Introduction to Maths. She said the scholarship money would allow her to focus on study rather than another part-time job, and would help pay for textbooks and HECS.
She encouraged Education students to apply for the DET undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships that target the subjects in high demand, from maths to manual arts (now know as industrial technology and design).
“There are only three of us doing a maths major at the moment yet the University offers an excellent program,” she said.
USC Education Placement Officer Sonya Smith called for students to check the range of criteria and consider applying for the next round in Semester 2.
“Our University offers lots of opportunities for pre-service teachers to go into Sunshine Coast schools to gain extra competencies,” Ms Smith said.
“There is a lot of emphasis on extra skills, which graduates can use to stand out from the crowd while at the same time supporting local schools.”
For information on USC education opportunities call 5459 4644.
For information on the scholarships go to the DET website page on scholarships.
– Julie Gatehouse