Celebrating the achievements of the Step Up into Teaching (SUIT) program

A message from the Executive Dean Faculty of Education and Arts Professor Mary Ryan:

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the Faculty of Education and Arts remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing critical challenges and fostering innovation. Among the pressing issues education faces are the ongoing teacher shortage, the importance of community engagement and strategic partnerships, and the need to expose students to university life. The Step Up into Teaching (SUIT) program is a shining beacon of how we are tackling these aspects head-on. Designed to support and inspire future educators, SUIT not only contributes to alleviating the teacher shortage but also provides students with invaluable exposure to university life. Through robust community engagement and strategic partnerships, we are future-proofing the education sector by promoting teaching as a profession and equipping students with the skills and resilience needed for a successful career in the classroom.

This year, the SUIT program saw a record number of enrolments, with a 50% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in interest reflects a renewed enthusiasm for the teaching profession among young people. Jamie Sherson, the National Coordinator for SUIT, highlighted this trend, noting that many students are drawn to the opportunity to make a positive impact on future generations.

The SUIT program, offered at our Strathfield campus with plans to expand to Brisbane and the ACT in spring this year, provides Year 11 and Year 12 students with the chance to study two university-level teaching units during their school holidays. These units, "Understanding Learning and Teaching" and "Understanding Learners and Their Contexts," give students a head start on their teaching degrees. Upon successful completion, students receive conditional entry into an ACU teaching degree and recognition for their completed units.

Our latest cohort of 126 students includes individuals from various educational backgrounds, including New South Wales Department of Education schools and several Catholic school dioceses. A significant portion of these students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with many being the first in their families to attend university. This diversity is a testament to the program's mission to remove barriers and increase access to high-quality initial teacher education.

Shauna-Lee Young, a Year 12 student from St Luke's Catholic College, graduated from the program with distinction. She is eager to teach in rural, disadvantaged, and Indigenous communities, honouring her Kamilaroi heritage and following in the footsteps of her family members who are also educators. "I've always wanted to be a teacher, and this has definitely given me a head start," she said.

Similarly, Delany College school captain Luke Laoulach shared how the SUIT program solidified his commitment to teaching. "Teaching is a vocation for me. I want to be a teacher that leads and is always there for my students," he expressed.

The success of the SUIT program is not just in the numbers but in the profound impact it has on students' lives. 87% of the previous cohort enrolled in ACU teaching degrees after completing the SUIT units. This high continuation rate is a clear indicator of the program's effectiveness in preparing students for a career in education.

As I reflect on the achievements of the SUIT program, I am filled with optimism for the future. The increased enrolments and the diverse backgrounds of our students signal a positive shift in the teaching profession. Programs like SUIT are crucial in changing the narrative around teaching, showcasing its impact, and building a strong sense of identity and belonging among future educators.

Recently, we celebrated the completion ceremony for our latest cohort, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the teacher shortage and inspire the next generation of educators. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students who have completed the SUIT program and look forward to seeing them thrive as they embark on their teaching careers. Their dedication and passion for education is truly inspiring, and we are proud to support them on this journey.