[singlepic id=173 w=320 h=240 float=left]The Queensland Government is helping put some of Queensland’s best and brightest indigenous graduates into Queensland classrooms.

Aspiring Innisfail teacher Kayla Weaver has been awarded a prestigious scholarship aimed to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become state school teachers.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said Ms Weaver was one of eight Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship winners in 2010.

“I understand Kayla will use the scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) through the Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in the Northern Territory,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Innisfail State High School 2005 graduate has already completed practicum experience at Normanton State School as part of her teaching degree.

“Kayla will receive up to $15,000 to help her financially while she is at university. I congratulate Kayla and wish her well in her studies.

“The Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships honour the inspiring contribution of Pearl Duncan, Australia’s first tertiary-trained Indigenous teacher,” Mr Pitt said.

“Being awarded a Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship is a great achievement. The winners were selected for their academic and personal attributes, which will serve them well as they study teaching.”

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said Pearl Duncan scholarships were awarded to people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage who aspired to become teachers.

“These scholarships ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are well represented in the state’s teaching ranks,” he said.

“Pearl Duncan Indigenous scholarships are also awarded to Education Queensland non-teaching staff and post-school applicants. Some postgraduate scholarships of up to two years’ duration are also available.

“We need dedicated and inspirational teachers who reflect the cultural backgrounds of all Queenslanders to deliver quality education across the state.”

After successfully completing their studies and meeting the department’s teacher employment requirements, scholarship holders are guaranteed employment at a Queensland state school.

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