Federal election: Top high school graduates to be given $12k if they study teaching under Labor plan

Top performing high school graduates will get up to $12,000 a year if they study a teaching degree under a Labor pledge to boost education standards.

Top performing high school graduates will get up to $12,000 a year if they study a teaching degree under a Labor pledge to boost education standards.

Anthony Albanese will on Monday announce the $146.5m plan, saying the incentives will lead to a “brighter future” for students and the nation.

“We want to make sure our kids get the best education they can,” the opposition leader said.

“That means we have to make sure they get the best quality teaching.”

If elected, 1000 students a year who obtain an ATAR of 80 or above will get $10,000 to study an education degree.

They would also get a bonus $2000 if they complete their placements at regional public schools.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese visits Ryde Wharf Market in the seat of Bennelong. Picture: Liam Kidston

Graduates who cash in could reap almost $50,000 over the course of their degree, typically four years, to spend how they please.

Only 3.3 per cent of students with an ATAR over 80 choose to study teaching.

The five-year scheme aims to double the number of high achievers becoming teachers to 3600 a year over the next decade.

Labor’s education spokeswoman, Tanya Plibersek, said lifting teaching standards would help stop the slide in students’ results.

“I want students competing to get into teaching like they do to get into medicine or law,” Ms Plibersek said.

“If we want a better future in Australia, we need a smart, skilled workforce so we can compete for jobs and growth with our neighbours.”

Labor leader Anthony Albanese visits Ryde Wharf Market in the seat of Bennelong, accompanied by Labor’s candidate Jerome Laxale. Picture: Liam Kidston

Labor will also set its sights on luring 1500 professionals, including mathematicians and scientists, to retrain as teachers.

Under the high achieving teachers program, they would be employed part-time as teachers’ aides while completing an intensive masters degree in education.

It will also work with states and territories, through school funding negotiations, to improve teacher career paths.

Higher pay and more responsibility is on the cards for elite teachers; such as those who work as literacy and numeracy specialists, or coach new teachers.

Labor hopes the move will not only address entry standards for teachers, which it deems too low, but a looming workforce shortage.

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