Teachers in the Dandenong Ranges will be able to access a free Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) under a new program from the State Government.
Minister for Education and Monbulk MP James Merlino opened round one of the programs on Wednesday 2 March, which gives teachers who want to undertake further study the opportunity to encourage increased inclusivity in their schools.
“We’re helping teachers get the skills they need to champion diversity and inclusion to ensure all Victorian students, especially those with a disability or learning difficulty, have all the support they need to thrive at school and beyond,” Mr Merlino said.
“We’re building on our reputation as the Education State by ensuring every government school in Victoria has a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student, regardless of their ability or background.”
The certificate will help teachers increase their knowledge and skills in relation to learning difficulties — like dyslexia and dyscalculia — after being designed by experts at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne.
The program will offer 75 places for Victorian teachers in Semester 2 in July, with recipients able to complete the course online and part-time over one to two years.
The Victorian Government has invested nearly $1.6 billion in the disability inclusion reform agenda to ensure schools have access to resources, support and guidance for students.
Applications for the eighth round of the fee-free Master of Inclusive Education program have also opened. The program aims to ensure every Victorian government school has a masters-qualified inclusive education teacher.
More information can be found at education.vic.gov.au.
