A group of high-achieving University graduates who today completed the first stage of their Teach for Australia training will soon be making a difference in some of Australia’s most disadvantaged schools.

Minister for School Education Peter Garrett congratulated the 40 young Australians on their decision to pursue a teaching career and their commitment to helping disadvantaged Australian kids get a great education.

“I congratulate these graduates for completing the initial training of the Teach for Australia program and for their commitment to teaching kids in some of our most disadvantaged communities over the next two years,” Mr Garrett said.

Teach for Australia gives high calibre graduates from disciplines such as science and mathematics the opportunity to start their career in education, by offering a combination of university study and employment-based teacher education.

The Teach for Australia graduates will be placed in schools in Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and for the first time, the Northern Territory. They will start their two year placements in classrooms on day one, of term one this year.

Minister Garrett also announced $6.45 million to fund a fourth intake of the Teach for Australia program, for placement of up to 50 new associates in schools during 2013 -2014.

“The Gillard Government believes every child in Australia deserves a great education, no matter where they live, no matter what their circumstances,” Mr Garrett said.

“Through Teach for Australia we are giving some of Australia’s brightest and keenest graduates the chance to make a real difference in the lives of students who may be struggling because of their social circumstances.”

Upon completion of the six week intensive training program at the University of Melbourne, the Teach for Australia graduates obtain a two-year supported placement in disadvantaged secondary schools, with a reduced teaching load, while at the same time completing their Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching.

Graduates are also supported by an in-school mentor, clinical specialist and a training and leadership advisor.

The Gillard Government has committed $550 million to the Smarter Schools - Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership, which includes funding for Teach for Australia, one strategy to enable new pathways into teaching.