Scholarships Keeping Teachers in the Far North

February 7, 2024

Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns is committed to attracting, supporting, and keeping graduate teachers in the Far North with more than 50 teaching scholarships being awarded to local students to date.

The scholarship programs, worth up to $20,000 each, were launched in response to a nationwide teacher shortage, according to Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Leader Workforce Capability Silvia Dimarco.

“Our teaching scholarships are part of our mission to attract and retain local graduate teachers in high-need areas while supporting both our local universities and our schools,” said Silvia.

“Each year we have at least eight graduates gaining a teaching position locally in our schools and many are offered Learning Support Officer roles during their study.”

Year 12 Education Scholarship recipients were celebrated at a special event at Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium.

2024 Scholarship Recipients Celebrated

Recipients of the 2024 Scholarships were celebrated at a Scholarship event at Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium with representatives from JCU, CQU, UQ and Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns.

The eight 2024 Year 12 Education Scholarship recipients will each receive a HECS-free degree, dedicated mentoring, and guaranteed employment as a teacher within one of our schools, which will help ease some of the pressure according to former St Augustine’s College student Mathew Christensen.

“The scholarship process compelled me to really think about some things, such as why I wanted to be a teacher, and what Catholic education meant to me. I have been fortunate to have a great number of amazingly supportive teachers throughout my schooling,” said Mathew.

“I see teaching as a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact on future generations, much like many of my teachers have had a positive impact upon myself. The support that the scholarship provides, both financial and professional, will help ease some pressure allowing me to focus on my studies.”

The eight 2024 Final Year Scholarship recipients will each receive $1000, potential placement in a Catholic school, and professional development sessions throughout the year as part of the ‘Getting Ready for Employment’ program.

CEDC’s Bill Dixon, Silvia Dimarco and Marissa Clark with the Final Year Scholarship recipients.

New Scholarship on Offer

The Career Change Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2023 to support skilled professionals with an undergraduate degree to make the career change to teaching by doing a Master of Learning and Teaching.

“These career changers bring with them a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience which has the potential to benefit both classroom and professional learning communities,” said Silvia.

The six Change of Career Scholarship recipients, including mature-aged student Sharon Thompson, will each receive $20,000, guaranteed employment as a teacher within a Cairns Catholic school and mentoring from experienced educators.

“Through the scholarship I get support and guidance to start my teaching career in a Catholic primary school. It’s the extra support I was looking for as a career-changer. The financial benefit the scholarship provides is also so valuable to myself and my family during the two years I’m a full-time Masters student,” said Sharon, who hopes to help students and families navigate the education system with ease and grace.

The Career Change Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2023.

The complete list of Scholarship recipients are as follows:

Year 12 Scholarship Recipients 2024

Alexis Bettini (CQU, BEd, Primary)

Charlotte Green (UQ, Bach Arts/BEd, Secondary)

Dakota Brighton (JCU, BEd, Secondary)

Kate Hodgson (JCU, BEd, Secondary)

Lachlan Imhoff (CQU, BEd, Secondary)

Lauren Arri (JCU, BEd, Primary)

Mathew Christensen (UQ, Bach Arts/BEd, Secondary)

Rhea Joshi (JCU, BEd, Primary)

Final Year Scholarship Recipients 2024

Janaya Greenwood (CQU, Master of Teaching, Secondary)

Indy Earle (JCU, BEd, Primary)

Brett Schneider (JCU, BEd, Primary)

Hannah Goyen (CQU, BEd, Early Childhood)

Danaya Cahill (CQU, BEd, Primary)

Natalie Gee (CQU, BEd, Primary)

Emma Simpson (CQU, BEd, Primary)

Geraldine Petersen (CQU, BEd, Secondary)

Career Change Scholarships 2023

Sharon Thompson (JCU, Master of Teaching & Learning, Primary)

Trent Stievano (JCU, Master of Teaching & Learning, Secondary)

Kathryn Cann (CQU, Master of Teaching, Primary)

Emma Heiman (JCU, Master of Teaching & Learning, Primary)

Jessica Proctor (CQU, Master of Teaching, Secondary)

Shannon Bruschi (USQ, Master of Teaching & Learning, Primary)

Follow the links to find out more about Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Scholarships and Employment Opportunities in the Diocese.