Recent data from the Department of Education shows a surge in students applying for and receiving offers for teaching degrees. Tertiary admission centres report a 7% increase in applications and a 14% increase in offers compared with 2024.
To understand what’s behind this renewed interest in a career as a teacher, we spent some time with the newest intake of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Teacher Scholarship students. We discovered it’s a whole lot more than a naive view of “generous holidays” and a familiar environment that’s driving these students to pick teaching degrees. As one student put it, “there’s more to teaching than meets the eye”.
At the CSPD Teacher Scholarship induction event, about 90 students anonymously shared why they chose teaching. The anonymity encouraged refreshingly honest responses that were simultaneously heartwarming, surprising, hopeful and inspiring.
Heartwarming answers included wanting to “inspire the next generation,” “help students be their best selves”, and “shape young minds”. However, a deeper theme also emerged: a strong sense of social justice, rooted in their Catholic education, particularly the desire to enact positive change.
Future teachers at the CSPD Teacher Scholarship Induction Day. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
One student shared: “To inspire and empower future generations to do good, believe in themselves, and make a difference in our world.”
For many, teaching is seen as a personally fulfilling career. One student explained: “Teaching is one of the careers where both the employee and the students feel a sense of belonging.” Another said: “Helping others grow brings a unique satisfaction. A good teacher always impacts someone’s life.”
The supportive and nurturing environment in CSPD schools clearly resonates with these future teachers. In the words of one student: “I want to be a teacher because of the support I received growing up in the CSPD system.” Another credited their Catholic primary school teachers with “inspiring my love for learning”.
Several students mentioned the diverse learning needs in Western Sydney, driven by “generational trauma and inequality”. They are motivated to provide “guidance and a safe space” for students who may lack stable home support.
Jane Nethery, CSPD Early Talent Manager, at the 2025 Induction Day. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“I’ve been inspired by teachers who connect with diverse students and make them feel seen,” one student said.
It was also encouraging to note that the teachers of tomorrow are driven by a passion for their chosen subject, keen to kindle that same spark in their students.
“I have a passion for literature and ancient history and would love to share that passion, as well as encourage my students to find and pursue their own passions,” another said.
The CSPD Teacher Scholarship makes pursuing a teaching degree more accessible, offering financial support, opportunities for paid employment in schools, and mentoring support.
Sienna, a 2024 scholarship recipient, said: “We’ve just finished our HSC, we all want to teach, and there’s a community here that understands what I’m going through.”
CSPD remains committed to supporting these future educators on their journey to becoming teachers.
Visit the website to learn more about the CSPD Teacher Scholarship.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
