Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) program

Funding is available for teachers in Victorian government schools interested in building their capability to support students with learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyscalculia through postgraduate study.

Application Round 3 will open at 9am on Monday, 5 February 2024 and close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 17 March.

New for 2024: as teachers in specialist schools are now eligible to apply for the program, 2 places per specialist school will be offered in Application Round 3.

The Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) is delivered for the department by Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) at the University of Melbourne.

Designed for practising teachers, the course aims to deepen the disciplinary knowledge and pedagogical practice of teachers, so they have the skills, expertise, and confidence to meet the needs of all students, including students with dyslexia and dyscalculia, through contemporary, evidence-based strategies and fidelity of practice.

Four bespoke subjects develop teachers' understanding of learning difficulties and the interactions between different types of learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyscalculia:

Program overview

The program offers 75 places each round, including 2 places per school for both Specialist and Supported Inclusion Schools.

Successful applicants start studying in Semester 2 (July) each year and complete the course part-time over 12-24 months.

Each subject runs for 12 weeks and consists of 4 online teaching days combined with self-directed reading and assignment work to be completed online.

Online synchronous teaching days are scheduled on weekends (Saturday or Sunday), ensuring recipients can balance study commitments with work and personal responsibilities.

No casual relief teacher provision is required as this course has no practicum component.

Eligibility

Learning specialists, leading teachers and classroom teachers currently working in government schools and directly supporting students with learning difficulties are encouraged to apply.

Prospective applicants must be qualified practising teachers with full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Teachers keen to apply for the course should discuss their interests with their principal before applying. Principal class are also encouraged to apply for the program to disseminate their acquired knowledge among other staff members.

Contact the IESU if you have questions about eligibility or need to find out if your school already has a recipient.

How to apply

Prospective applicants will be able to apply via SmartyGrants.

Applicants are advised to discuss their study plans early with their principal, so they align with school strategic goals for literacy and numeracy, and priorities for enhancing inclusive education practices.

Important details about eligibility criteria, recipient obligations, and how to apply are available in the current round application guidelines (accessible below).

Application guidelines for round 3, 2024

GCE Application Guidelines for Round 3, 2024
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GCE Application Guidelines for Round 3, 2024
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See what motivated teachers to join the program

Relevant professional learning

Interested in getting a head start on understanding learning difficulties?

Check out the department's Learning Difficulties webpages.

Or explore these modules in the Inclusive Classrooms Professional Learning Catalogue

Additional postgraduate study opportunities are available

Through the Master of Inclusive Education Program, teachers can make a significant contribution to how their schools plan and support students with disabilities and additional learning needs, using contemporary evidence-based, best practice approaches.

The long-term vision of the master's program is that every Victorian government school will have a masters-qualified inclusive education teacher on staff, creating and leading a more inclusive school environment for all students across the state, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds.

For more information, visit Master of Inclusive Education program | Schools Vic.

Contact the Inclusive Education Scholarships Unit

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