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Jack Isenbarger is in his final semester of a two-year postgraduate study at UNDA (Supplied)

University of Notre Dame Australia is offering Commonwealth Supported Places for several of its postgraduate education programs for students commencing their studies this semester. Source: NCEC. 

With a CSP, students pay significantly less and they can access a HECS-HELP loan scheme to cover the cost of their student contribution.

Postgraduate education programs on offer include graduate certificates in Special and Inclusive Education, Religion, Wellbeing in Education, and Leadership and Management. 

These programs support graduates with career advancement or redirection, to pursue an interest or work towards leadership positions and international teaching opportunities.

NCEC spoke with two students who are benefiting from the program.

Jessica Uern teaches at St Barbara’s Parish School, Roxby Downs, in South Australia, and is pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Education (Special and Inclusive Education).

“I’ve always had an interest in supporting neurodiverse students, inclusive education, and behaviour management,” Ms Uern said.

“When my principal approached me with the opportunity to study at UNDA and the benefits that came with it, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to further my knowledge in education. 

When Jack Isenbarger moved to Western Australia in 2018, it was to play and coach basketball professionally. 

The Indiana native was pursuing his dream in a sports career and Australia was providing that opportunity.

Little did he think at the age of 31 that he would have a change of career, and thanks to the UNDA’s CSP, he is now in his final semester of a two-year postgraduate study and will graduate from the university with a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

“The course has benefited me in three important ways. The theories behind teaching provide clear strategies to approach my personal pedagogy and teaching style.

“The course emphasises practical teaching experiences as a pre-service teacher in multiple schools, and it has allowed me to teach on a limited authority so that I can begin teaching professionally and see how schools operate in different sectors – Catholic, government and independent.”

Details: UNDA CSP Programs

FULL STORY

Notre Dame government support for educators – places still open (NCEC)