Are you a teacher aide working in a Queensland state school and interested in becoming a special education teacher? The Aspiring Special Education Teacher Program supports eligible teacher aides to complete an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program and progress towards a teaching career in special education. This program is for current teacher aides employed by the Department of Education only.

Program perks

- successful applicants will receive:

- up to $20,000 (before tax) to complete a postgraduate ITE degree
- up to $40,000 (before tax) to complete an undergraduate ITE drgree

Funding is provided following successful completion of eligible subjects.
- access the Supported Pathway into Teaching Special Leave to attend compulsory professional experience placements and exams, during the course of their ITE degree.
- join a community of practice for support and connection with peers and opportunities for professional development opportunities.
- an offer of permanent employment as a special education teacher in a Special School or Special Education Program within a State School, based on workforce needs at the time of graduation.

Eligibility To be eligible for this program, you must:

- have a genuine interest in becoming a special education teacher in Queensland state schools

- be a current teacher aide in a Queensland State School.
- Priority will be given to current Teacher Aides in Special Schools or in a Special Education Program in a State School.
- Minimum of 1 years' experience. Priority will be given to applicants with more than 1 years' experience.
- Must be temporarily or permanently employed in a school. Priority will be given to permanent employees.

Applicants must provide a Statement of Service as part of their application.
- have Principal's endorsement to participate the program
- be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) program, for commencement in 2027; or already studying an ITE program




- have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status in Australia
- commit to teaching in a permanent role in a state special school, or a Special Education Program in a state school
- commit to minimum service requirement.

Current participants of the Turn to Teach, Trade to Teach and Career Change Internship Programs are not eligible for this program. Additionally, you may not be eligible to receive funding under this program if you are receiving, or have accepted, funding through another department program, initiative or scholarship. If you are unsure whether another funding arrangement may affect your eligibility, please contact @qed.qld.gov.au before submitting your application.

Please note - Offer will be subject to meeting the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) standard. Most universities require their prospective students to pass the LANTITE prior to commencing studies.

Please refer to Fact sheet regarding more information on study, employment and minimum service requirements.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the full Aspiring Special Education Teacher Program information, including job ad and attachments listed under Documents.

You can apply for the program by logging into your SmartJobs account (green ‘apply online' button below) and create a VidCruiter account. As part of your application, you will need to:

- request for Statement of Service
- seek your school principal's endorsement for your participation of the program
- complete the online application form from VidCruiter;
- upload all required supporting documentation; (refer to Document Checklist)
- provide written responses to the application questions; and
- complete the recorded video interview.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time to complete all stages of the selection process. Applicants should regularly monitor their email, including junk/spam folders, for correspondence regarding their application and any required next steps.

Referee report will be requested after your application.

📌 Aspiring Special Education Teacher Program 2027 (Queensland)
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Queensland