An innovative program is showing aspiring educators the profoundly positive impact that the teaching profession can have, offering early exposure to university, and building a strong sense of identity and belonging among future educators.
In recent years, Australian schools have been struggling with worsening teacher shortages, with recent data showing nearly that 83% of schools are impacted.
To address this, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) – the nation’s largest provider of teacher training – developed the Step Up into Teaching (SUIT) program, which gives aspiring educators an early start to a teaching degree.
Operating at ACU’s Strathfield campus, SUIT gives Year 11 and Year 12 students a chance to study two university-level teaching units – Understanding Learning and Teaching, and Understanding Learners and Their Contexts – during the spring and summer school holidays.
Students then receive a conditional entry into an ACU teaching degree once they finish Year 12, as well as prior recognition for their completed units.
And the data is promising, with enrollments at the SUIT program increasing by more than 50% in 2024/ 2025 compared with the program’s 2023/2024 cohort.
‘A noticeable energy is returning to the profession’
SUIT national coordinator Jamie Sherson said the increased demand signalled a renewed interest, hopeful future and growing respect for the teaching profession after years of educator shortages across the country.
“There’s definitely a noticeable energy returning to the teaching profession, and I believe much of it is being driven by a growing desire among young people to pursue meaningful, purpose-driven careers,” Sherson told The Educator.
“Teaching offers a chance to make a real difference—something that deeply resonates with this generation. From my role in SUIT, I’ve seen students respond to the relational and creative nature of the work, and to the idea of being a positive role model in their community.”
Sherson said programs like SUIT also help “change the narrative” around teaching by showcasing its impact, offering early exposure to university, and building a strong sense of identity and belonging among future educators.
“When students see themselves reflected in the profession—and when they feel supported in taking that first step—they start to believe in the possibility of that path.”
Bridging the opportunity gap with care and connection
Sherson noted that a significant portion of the SUIT cohort come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with many identifying as first in their family to attend university.
“SUIT is built on the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t,” he said. “For many students from low-income or first-in-family backgrounds, the thought of university can be daunting. That’s why SUIT provides wraparound support from the start.”
As part of the program, students receive mentoring, academic scaffolding, and personalised check-ins—not just during the unit, but beyond.
“They’re introduced to university life in a way that feels safe and encouraging, often forming lasting friendships and support networks. Importantly, we also work closely with families, schools, and support staff to ensure students feel connected across all layers of the experience,” Sherson said.
“It’s about removing barriers, creating community, and showing these students that they belong in higher education—and that we’ll walk with them every step of the way.”
Building resilient teachers
In December 2024, Employment Hero’s 2024 Wellness at Work report found that Australia’s high school teachers are topping the charts in taking sick leave, averaging 8 per year and ranking highest across all industries as worsening levels of burnout take its toll on the profession.
To address this, the SUIT program plays a crucial role in not only sparking a passion for teaching, but in beginning to build the resilience and insight needed to thrive in the profession.
“Through the program, students gain early exposure to the demands of teaching—not just the inspirational moments, but the challenges too,” Sherson said. “We focus on developing self-awareness, goal setting, and reflective practice, which are essential tools for navigating the realities of the classroom.”
Sherson said participants hear directly from current ACU students and experienced educators who share their journeys—honestly and practically—giving them a grounded perspective.
“Just as importantly, SUIT introduces the idea that teaching is a team effort,” he said. “Students learn that seeking support, building peer networks, and maintaining wellbeing are not optional extras, but key to a sustainable and fulfilling career.”
Tailoring to an increasingly diverse teaching profession
While the SUIT program is specifically designed for senior high school students, it sits within a broader suite of pathways ACU offers to support aspiring teachers from all walks of life, Sherson noted.
“For those entering teaching later in life or transitioning from other careers, ACU provides flexible undergraduate and postgraduate options, including online study, part-time degrees, and accelerated programs,” he said.
“Excitingly, our new industry-leading All Points to Teaching initiative offers fully funded pathways that allow students to earn while they learn through paid internships in schools.”
Sherson said these programs are designed to make teacher education more accessible, responsive, and sustainable.
“While SUIT continues to identify and nurture the next generation of teachers early, ACU is committed to supporting diverse entry points into the profession—ensuring that whether you’re 17 or 47, there’s a clear and supported path into teaching.”
‘To teach is to touch the future’
St Luke’s Catholic College Year 12 student Shauna-Lee Young said the support and the education provided in the SUIT program not only allowed her to bring her dream and passion alive but allowed students to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who have the same passion.
“Taking part in the SUIT program allowed me to understand my passion for giving back to my community as a proud Aboriginal woman,” Young said.
“The educational units completed during Step Up into Teaching paint a picture of what type of teacher us future teachers would like to become as well as learning about the different factors that could affect a student’s life and therefore the impact that it would have on their education.”
Young said the SUIT program allows students to gain insight into what university life would be like studying education in addition to gaining two units even before graduating high school, which she called a “massive accomplishment”.
“If anyone has the passion and is aspiring to become a teacher, I would say just do it as to teach is to touch the future,” she said.
“I have always said that this generation will make the future, so let’s make a big impact. Step Up into Teaching has already gotten me so many steps closer to making that impact in so many lives.”