The Teach for Australia program helping NT staff shortages

At 18-years-old Ethan Jolley had finished six months of chemotherapy and his childhood dream of joining the air force seemed crushed. Now, he’s empowering the Territory’s next generation thanks to teacher talent scout program.

Nhulunbuy High School teacher Ethan Jolley is a first year teacher through the Teach for Australia's Leadership Development Program in 2024.

Since he was a little boy, Ethan Jolley dreamt of a career in the military.

On the cusp of finishing school, however, his goal was dashed.

“I was always set on joining the Royal Australian Air Force,” he said.

“But in 2016, at just 17 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and that just completely threw a spanner in the works.”

Six months of chemotherapy saw his ADF ambitious crushed, and Mr Jolley was forced to find a new calling.

“I was shattered, but I was fortunate enough to have a few amazing mentors, past teachers and other adults in my life who recognised my potential and encouraged me into a path of educating young people,” he said.

“I was given the opportunity to work as a swim teacher during my gap year, and I guess that’s where it all started – my pathway into teaching.”

Thanks to Teach for Australia’s Leadership Development Program, Mr Jolley has become a first-year teacher in humanities, physical education and health at Nhulunbuy High School.

Offering teachers an employment-based postgraduate pathway, the program has placed 156 educators nationwide – including 10 in the Territory – into remote or low socio-economic areas.

Ethan Jolley is now a first year teacher through the Teach for Australia’s Leadership Development Program. Photo: Supplied.

TFA chief executive Melodie Potts Rosevear said the program was aimed to address teacher shortages and retention issues.

“The innovative program provides an alternative, effective pathway into teaching, attracting talented individuals who may not have considered a career in education,” she said.

“They are also more likely to remain in the profession – in 2023, over 85 per cent of the program’s Alumni were still working in the education sector.”

Mr Jolley said the pathway had been beneficial.

“The support I have received from the Leadership Development Program has been incredible,” he said.

“They are always there for us and I feel like I can reach out at any point.”

And what has been a highlight for Mr Jolley in his first year of teaching? The language and community connection.

“Knowing about the kinship system and being able to have a base level understanding of words and phrases instantly allowed for greater connection with the students,” he said.

“They know that I respect their home language and that they can be my teacher in that world.

“My hope is for the education system is to value First Nations perspectives, languages and culture.”

To apply for TFA’s next Leadership Development Program, visit https://teachforaustralia.org/leadership-development-program/

• The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as The Teach for Australia program helping NT staff shortages