Executive Director’s Update to Principals #10 - 11 March 2025
Learning Support Officer to Teacher Pathway Scholarship Program
Last year, we sought your insights on the most effective strategies for attracting candidates to vacancies across the Diocese. With 39 responses to our survey, one initiative stood out as a clear priority—supporting Learning Support Officers (LSOs) on their journey to becoming qualified teachers.
In response to this valuable feedback, we are pleased to introduce the Learning Support Officer to Teacher Pathway Scholarship Program. This initiative is designed to support LSOs in our schools who aspire to become qualified primary school teachers, providing both financial assistance and professional growth opportunities while they continue contributing to Catholic education.
About the Program
Through this scholarship, eligible LSOs will have the opportunity to pursue an online Bachelor of Education (Primary) via Swinburne Online University at a significantly reduced cost.
- Tuition Support: DOBCEL will cover two-thirds of tuition fees, making the transition to a teaching career more accessible.
- Total Scholarships Available: 15 for the 2025 intake
- Study Mode: Online
- Duration: 4 years
- Intake: July 2025
Financial Commitment
- Total annual tuition: $4,627 per year for four years
- DOBCEL covers two-thirds of the cost
- The remaining one-third is the responsibility of the scholarship recipient
This initiative is a direct outcome of your feedback and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the pipeline of passionate, skilled educators within our Catholic schools.
For more information on the program, please click HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Hanley