About the program
RATEP is a community-based pathway supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become primary and early childhood teachers, teacher aides or early childhood educators.
The program offers locally-based teacher education programs that support you, in your community while you study.
Established in 1990, RATEP is a partnership between the Queensland Department of Education, TAFE Queensland North, James Cook University (JCU), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
RATEP is a study pathway that respects your experiences and knowledge as an Indigenous Australian and values the contribution that Indigenous teachers make to the education of all Australians, and particularly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Qualifications
RATEP provides teacher aides and other school-based employees with the opportunity to complete the following qualifications through TAFE Queensland North, on a part-time basis:
- Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Detailed information about these qualifications, including entry requirements, is available on the TAFE Queensland website.
Completion of these nationally accredited qualifications provides a direct pathway into one of the following initial teacher education program at James Cook University:
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Completion of the Diploma will give you a full year of credit towards the Bachelor of Education at James Cook University.
Support you will receive
In addition to the JCU campus and TAFE North campus, RATEP centres are currently based at various school communities in Queensland.
Teacher coordinators are employed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to become autonomous learners as they complete their TAFE and JCU qualifications.
RATEP students may be eligible for scholarships and grants that can provide financial assistance while undertaking their studies.
How to apply
Information about how and when to apply for entry to the eligible certificate and diploma programs offered by TAFE Queensland is available on their website.
RATEP students are encouraged to liaise with their teacher coordinator regarding applying for entry to the Bachelor of Education at James Cook University.
Related pathways and scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to provide financial assistance to aspiring and preservice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers, including:
Further information
Contact us
If you have any questions about this pathway program, please contact our RATEP team by email at RATEP@qed.qld.gov.au.