A new program will see more teachers trained to face the growing shortage in the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory has much to improve in its services to residents, and education is close to the top of the list.

But a new, nationally-accredited course at Charles Darwin University could change that.

CDU’s new Bachelor of Education (Graduate Entry) is designed to prepare graduates and assist those with Bachelor level qualifications to look to a career in teaching.

Thenew teacher education course aligns with the national standard for teacher qualification, and offers specialised professional knowledge and skills in teacher education for those who have a non-education Bachelor degree.

CDU’s head of the School of Education Professor Peter Kell said the new program is available to all qualified university graduates from Semester I 2015.

“The new Bachelor of Education Graduate Entry at CDU responds to the new requirements of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership,” Professor Kell said.

“This program replaces the one-year graduate entry program that is being phased out across Australia as two-year programs are now mandated by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership.”

Using the summer semester option, students complete the course in one and a half years. The course is also available online and has options for part-time study.

Professor Kell said the program had the benefit of specialisations in early childhood, primary and secondary.

“There are continuing teacher shortages in Asian Language, mathematics, science and information technology,” he said.

“The program incorporates the new Australian curriculum and has curriculum methodology subjects in English, mathematics, language, music, economic, visual arts, information technology, science, and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders.

“Graduates for this course will be well positioned in the employment market when they graduate as there will be strong demand for teachers as the baby boomers retire from teaching and there is a ‘spike’ in school enrolments in the next few years.”

More details are available here.