Student teachers to get $420 a day to teach at schools facing critical staff shortages

A $32m state government package will see student teachers paid upward of $400 a day to do their placement at schools facing critical staff shortages in regional and remote areas.

Student teachers will be paid upward of $400 a day to do their placement at schools with critical staff shortages in the regions. Picture: Supplied

Student teachers will be paid up to $420 a day to do their placement at schools with staff shortages.

The $32m package was designed to entice students to carry out their training at specialist schools and campuses in regional Victoria.

Eligible teachers will be given a daily grant ranging from $140 per day in big regional cities and metropolitan specialist schools.

Students who opt to teach in outer regional and remote schools with dire staff shortages will receive $420 per day.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll made the announcement on Tuesday. Picture: David Crosling

Premier Jacinta Allan said it was part of a support package that addressed the financial barriers of studying while also filling critical gaps.

“This program will provide assistance for things like travel and accommodation,” she said.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said student teachers deserve support to pursue their dream career without financial pressure.

“It’s a very simple process through the Department of Education,” he said.

The payments will be made available to students who are enrolled in teaching degrees from July 1 this year to December 31 2025.

Up to 11,000 placements will be funded over the next two years.

It follows similar incentives including free secondary teaching degrees and financial payments to lure teachers from interstate and overseas.