Aboriginal educators graduate from RATE Tertiary program

Five Aboriginal educators recently graduated with qualifications as part of the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education (RATE) Tertiary program, which supports Aboriginal people who aspire to become educators in Northern Territory schools and early childhood services.

The RATE Tertiary Program is delivered in remote communities including Groote Eylandt, Galiwinku, Yipirirya and Wooliana.

Four of the five participants (who are all from Galiwinku) will receive an Undergraduate Certificate in Remote Education and one educator will receive a Diploma in Educational Studies.

Graduate Sheena Gumbula said graduating for her was a big part of her journey.

“I wanted to show other young people that anyone can do it, anyone can be whatever they want to be,” she said.

Matthew Atu, who also graduated, said it was important to become a teacher in a remote community.

“It’s an opportunity for me to take on leadership and support my people,” he said.

NT Department of Education Chief Executive Karen Weston said the five educators were amazing at studying, working, parenting and contributing to Country.

“The participants are supported through the RATE program, which aims to build the capacity of Aboriginal educators in remote settings,” she said.

Ms Weston said the program created a talent pipeline that drove growth and future sustainability of the Territory’s Aboriginal educator workforce in various education settings.

“Increasing the number of local Aboriginal educators results in improved engagement, learning and outcomes,” she said.

“It also strengthens culturally and contextually responsive pedagogy, learning in first language and both ways learning.”

Local Aboriginal teachers provide continuity for student learning through an ongoing commitment to their communities, helping to increase engagement and provide experiences for Aboriginal students that make learning more meaningful, relevant, accessible and culturally responsive, she added. 

To learn more about the RATE program, please see here. Pictured are students from The Batchelor Institute.