New postgrad early childhood teaching course for non-teachers
With a grave shortage of qualified teachers in the early childhood sector, Macquarie University has introduced a new program to enable graduates of other disciplines obtain an early childhood teaching qualification at postgraduate level.
"The shortage of teachers, particularly in long day care, has reached the point where it is starting to impact on the licensing of services," explains Course Coordinator, Sandra Cheeseman. "This new program is one strategy in response to that."
Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years)
The Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years) will provide graduates with a teaching qualification recognised by the Department of Community Services. Graduates will be eligible for employment as teachers in prior-to-school settings, typically in pre-schools and long day care centres.
The program aims to take the knowledge, skills and life experience of students and use it to develop teaching practice. During semester students will be required to attend classes, undertake independent and small group work as well as assessments tasks and assignments. External students will work independently but be given the opportunity to attend optional on-campus sessions.
Subjects offered in the program include:
- Early childhood philosophy and pedagogy
- Health and well-being in early childhood
- Leading and managing early childhood services
- Creativity and the arts: contemporary perspectives
- Language and literacy in early childhood.
There is a strong practical element to the program. In semesters two, three and four students will undertake professional experience which involves placements in a range of prior-to-school settings.
Entry Requirements
Those looking to undertake the Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years) require:
- an approved undergraduate degree in any discipline
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in their previous study
- a statement of support from an employer or educational institution, or a statement of experience explaining why they are seeking entry into the program.
"We are asking for a statement of support as we believe that it is going to be quite competitive to gain entry into the program," says Cheeseman.
Interest in the program
To date there has been an overwhelming response to the program with some 200 expressions of interest received.
"The program is attracting a broad range of people who are looking for a career change," Cheeseman says. "We have had interest from people with high school and primary qualifications, lawyers, IT professionals, psychologists and a large number with a background in commerce. They are mostly women who have had young children, enrolled them in child care or pre-school and liked what they've seen."
A new career
"The Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years) is new, innovative and exciting for Macquarie," Cheeseman says. "It provides an opportunity for people to change their career path but also meld their previous experiences and bring them into early childhood. We believe their skills and expertise will be very valuable to the children they will teach in the future."
For further information contact Sandra Cheeseman sandra.cheeseman@mq.edu.au or Margaret Fegent margaret.fegent@mq.edu.au