About the program
If you are employed by the Queensland Department of Education, you can access support to enable you to transition to a teaching career through the Supported Pathway into Teaching initiative.
This initiative recognises the valuable contribution you make every day to the work of the department and our schools across Queensland, your commitment to your studies and your potential to step into the important role of teacher in Queensland state schools.
Access to approved special leave ensures that you do not have to utilise recreation, unpaid or other accrued leave when completing professional experience placements or exams.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Supported Pathway into Teaching initiative, you must be:
- permanently employed by the Queensland Department of Education or a temporary employee whose appointment includes the period for which leave is required
- enrolled in an approved Australian initial teacher education program such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching
- eligible for teacher registration from the Queensland College of Teachers upon graduation
- undertaking a professional experience placement that is a compulsory requirement of your approved initial teacher education program.
Support you can receive
All permanent and temporary school-based, regional and corporate office employees undertaking an initial teacher education program can access special leave with pay when completing compulsory professional experience placements and exams.
This ensures that you are not disadvantaged when you are unable to undertake your usual work duties, due to the requirements of your studies towards a teaching career. Special leave is in addition to your annual or recreation leave. Please note that access to special leave requires the approval of your manager or supervisor.
If you need to undertake compulsory exams which have been scheduled within your usual hours of work, you may also access special leave with pay. Leave with pay for up to 4 days – including any required travel time – is only available when your exams are held on work days and during your usual hours of work.
How to apply
Eligible employees can apply for special leave with pay through your school or business unit’s usual leave approval processes. If you apply for leave through MyHR, you are required to select 'SupportPath Teach' as the leave type.
You must ensure that you discuss your professional experience and exam schedule with your manager or supervisor as early as possible, so that they can plan for your absence from work.
The Supported Pathway into Teaching special leave guideline provides additional information and can be accessed on the Department’s OnePortal site.
Contact us
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Supported Pathway into Teaching. Please contact us via email at scholarships@qed.qld.gov.au.