A new model of teacher education for small island states: The Nauru Teacher Education Project

Abstract

This chapter presents the Nauru Teacher Education Programme for addressing a chronic shortage of local teachers in primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Nauru. Based in engagement theory and culturally responsive teaching, the project has run successfully since 2013 and graduated 39 teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary education. The programme employs a blended approach with students completing online units in Nauru utilising a Moodle platform and supported by two on-island lecturers employed through the University of New England. Use of the Moodle platform allows the Nauruan students to engage with Australian peers, who are undertaking the same units. All Nauruan students completing the Associate Degree also undertake a four-week Australia-based teaching practicum in a small rural town in New South Wales, thus exposing them to professional practice within Australian schools. The practicum also allows for cultural exchange, exposing the Nauruan students to Australian culture within the schools and in out-of-school activities, and enabling the students to share Nauruan cultural activities, history and geography with their host schools.