Tradies set for classroom

TRADIES and nurses could be given new pathways into schools to share their skills with children as part of a major review of teacher registration.

The national review, to be announced today, aims to ensure all teachers across early childhood, school and vocational education are meeting high-quality standards.

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said it would also consider ways to improve the registration system to help people “from all walks of life” become teachers.

“Those different life experiences could shake up Austra- lia’s schools and add more depth to the talented teachers we have,” Senator Birmingham said.

“Having a former tradie or nurse as a teacher can bring more perspective to a class- room and can be especially beneficial for the teaching of vocational and trade skills. Teachers who have been working in other jobs can be a great way for students to learn about life after school and the different options open to them.”

Eight experts have been appointed to spearhead the review, which is being run by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership.

Institute chief executive Lisa Rodgers said “great teaching” was what made the biggest difference in the performance of students.

The panel is expected to deliver its report later this year.