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Bringing culture and consistency to the classroom
After almost two decades of being a calming and consistent influence in the classroom at the tiny campus of Tagai State College at Darnley (Erub) Island, Mark Waigana is the proud recipient of a Certificate III qualification.
For the past two years, the 53-year-old Erub Island Mauram man has been studying a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education (11212NAT) through RATEP, formalising the skills and knowledge he had acquired as a classroom teacher aide.
With previous employment in community policing and 19 years in the classroom, Mark was already a confident member of the school faculty but until recently had not had the opportunity to achieve his own educational goals.
While not mandatory, Mark knew the qualification would improve the quality of the service he could provide to the students.
“I wanted to be able to do my job better. These kids deserve that commitment,” Mark said.
RATEP is a community-based primary education and early childhood education program. It provides a direct pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become registered teachers, qualified teacher aides or early childhood educators.
RATEP is an initiative that respects the culture and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and values the contribution they can make to the education of all young Australians.
Through RATEP and with only a few onsite visits to Cairns, Mark was able to complete most of the course without leaving the Island and his beloved school and students – maintaining his presence in the classroom.
“These kids know I will always be here and that I will do anything for them,” Mark said.
“Often staffing is not consistent – people come and go. RATEP meant that I could still be here for them and help them with their learning.”
Mark uses an example of his own presence in the classroom to signify the importance of programs like RATEP to encourage First Nations people to take up careers in education.
“I see how the children react when I am in the classroom. They do their work and it is much calmer, the body language is different” he said.
“I believe I am a positive influence and that just shows how important it is for our people to be in the classroom every day.”
RATEP is a partnership between TAFE Queensland, James Cook University, and the Queensland Education Department. First Nations people can choose to study at a number of RATEP sites throughout Queensland, as well as a via an off-site model. As well as certificate or diploma course in education or child care, the program also opens up pathways towards a Bachelor of Education qualification at James Cook University.