18 August 2021 13:37

New Teachers’ Scholarship Fund launched will support professional development

We are committed to supporting the excellent standard of education within our Registered Teaching Membership and to underpin this we are launching a brand new Teachers’ Scholarship Fund to coincide with the start of our 2021/22 Membership year. The aim of the fund is to increase access to professional development at a time when the dance studio sector and dance teachers are facing their greatest challenges to date.

Together with the support of inaugural partners DanceSurance and Harlequin Floors, RAD Australia will provide dance teachers from within our 1,500 strong membership, the opportunity to seek financial support for professional development activities.

National Director Rebecca Taylor said “The past two years have been incredibly tough for the dance studio sector. With lockdowns and restrictions seriously impacting dance teachers and changing the way we teach and learn, professional development is more critical than ever. We want to ensure that our Members continue to be at the forefront of their profession by increasing opportunities to access a range of programmes.”

Teachers will be able to apply for financial support in one of two rounds of applications with the first opening on 20 September. Activities supported include attending one of the RAD’s own continuing professional development courses or conferences or undertaking an appropriate professional development course hosted externally by a third party.

CPD & Membership Services Manager Alison Homer is delighted the Fund will underpin the RAD’s Professional Development focus. “Professional development enables teachers to develop new, and build on existing, skills – an essential part of their teaching profession. Moreover, it allows them to engage with advances in their field, which is invaluable as they navigate new skills to support their students and progress in their careers.”

The fund has been in the planning for quite some time as we have sought ways to offer greater access and support for dance teachers in regional areas and marginalised communities. We welcome long-term partners DanceSurance and Harlequin Floors who have given the fund the boost needed to launch and to be able to extend scholarships to multiple recipients.

Gail McGeachy General Manager from DanceSurance said “DanceSurance are extremely proud to support the Teachers’ Scholarship Fund.  What a wonderful initiative from our friends at RAD! Sending our best wishes to all our wonderful Teachers who continue to work so tirelessly throughout these uncertain and challenging times.”

Anyone interested in supporting the future of dance education in Australia can donate to the fund here.