The State’s best teachers are to have an opportunity to fast track their careers and become principals in half the time it would normally take.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that each year 30 excelling teachers and 20 teaching graduates would be able to apply to participate in the new Department of Education program to attain the level of principal within 10 years, instead of 20.
Ms Berejiklian said the rigorous program would require participants to learn from leading teachers at selected schools, participate in a regional placement and excel in a leadership position.
“The Fast Stream program will raise education standards across the State by training our best teachers in our best schools and then requiring them to continue teaching in areas of higher need,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The program will be a competitive and selective employment pathway in Australia,” she said.
“Participating teachers will have to achieve a number of milestones and demonstrate their leadership ability to be successful.”
Ms Berejiklian said the Fast Stream program would bring teachers to regional areas, where it was hoped that they would stay after completing the program.
Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell said the program was “unapologetically selective, competitive and incredibly rewarding in the long term”.
“To enter the Fast Stream you have to be the best, and you must remain the best,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We want the future leaders – the ones that will transform the education system of tomorrow through academic excellence, outstanding ability in front of a class, and ambition,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said the program was scheduled to start in Term One, 2022.
