with Andrew Beitsch Director of Sydney Christian Schools Teaching Hub

A lot of teachers I have spoken to in different schools find the first few years in the classroom really tough . This seems to be a pretty common experience , even though new teachers have spent years studying at university .

They often speak of a large gap between theory and practice and lack confidence in the way they manage student behaviour . There must be a better way to prepare teaches to be classroom ready .

Since ancient times artisans have been required to teach their craft to the next generation . This developed into more formalised apprenticeships during the middle ages . Guilds were established

to protect , maintain , and grow the quality of each specific craft or industry . Recruits were required to complete an apprenticeship lasting between two and seven years .

While some things have changed , ( like no more child labour !), this model continues to flourish in many technical trades , and for good reason . A novice can stand to learn much more than just a trade from a skilled journeyman . They can also get the support needed to manage themselves , get along with others and learn how to face the inevitable challenges we all face at work .

For this reason , Norwest Christian College has partnered with Alphacrucis University College and six other Christian schools and established the Sydney Christian Schools Teaching Hub ( SCSTH ). The aim is to provide a Christ Centred

Apprenticeship model to Initial Teacher Training .

Member schools of the SCSTH cover a large part of Greater Sydney metropolitan area and have a combined enrolment of around one in five of all students enrolled in Christian Schools in NSW . While each Christian school has a slightly different focus and operates in a different part of Sydney , all share a common conviction and vision : to partner together to support the formation of the next generation of classroom ready Christian Teachers .

Trainees in the SCSTH complete a NESA accredited Initial Teacher Preparation Program as they complete either a Bachelor ’ s or Master ’ s degree with Alphacrucis University College . At the same time , they are paid to be placed in a classroom one day a week from the start of their studies to learn from a Mentor Teacher and progressively

do more of the things teachers do .

Trainees also meet each week to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to encourage and support each other . At the completion of the program , trainees employed by SCSTH member schools are also able to have 50 per cent of their fees reimbursed .

Norwest Christian College is very excited to be part of this initiative . If you are considering teaching and would like to know more , please visit the SCSTH website today . www . scsteachinghub . au