With teacher shortages continuing across Victoria, former educators across the state are getting a fresh opportunity to return to the classroom with confidence, thanks to the renewal of a successful partnership.
Running from October 2024 through October 2025, the year-long partnership between Seven Steps to Writing Success and the Victorian Department of Education’s Teacher Re-Engagement Initiative (TREI) and Returning Teacher Support Service (RTSS) offers free professional development, on-demand training and a wealth of teaching resources to over 350 returning teachers.
The offerings are designed to build confidence, refresh teaching skills and provide real classroom-ready strategies in the complex area of teaching writing.
Recognising that high-quality professional development is key, the support focuses not only on helping teachers brush up on changes to the curriculum and learn new strategies but on helping returning teachers feel like teachers again.
The support provided focuses on breaking down writing into simple, teachable chunks; building teacher confidence; providing ready-to-go teaching resources and a clear plan for teaching; and boosting student engagement.
Now entering its final two terms, the program has already seen an encouraging uptake, with many participants reporting a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about returning to teaching.
“I am absolutely delighted. It is excellent material, not just for returning teachers, but for beginning teachers and the teachers in the profession now who could all do with that material,” Lynette, a returning teacher, said.
Another teacher, Leanne, highlighted the immediate applicability of the skills learnt in the workshop.
“And so, you’re walking away [from the workshop] with skills,” she said. “You’re not just walking away with theory, but you’re walking away with things that you can immediately do with a group of children.”