Rebecca Tewes is one of 60 CQU Bundaberg students wondering where she will celebrate 2004 World Teachers Day.

One thing is sure. After recently finishing the three year Bachelor of Learning Management program with a 10-week internship period, working alongside a local teacher as a colleague she is prepared for her first teaching position.

The BLM program gets the CQU students working with school children immediately. Within the first two weeks of their first term students are out in local schools assisting with swimming or other sports. This cooperation sets the benchmark for the whole program.

CQU Bundaberg’s Education and Creative Arts staff will also take a moment to reflect on the importance of the cooperation of the schools and teaching staff throughout the Wide Bay region.

“Last term, 60 students were placed in schools from Bundaberg to Mount Perry and everywhere in between. A total of 28 schools participated in the program. Although it largely occurred in the Bundaberg region, it did include schools in Cairns and Muttaburra,” Sub Dean Ms Helen Huntly said.

“This Internship program enabled our final year students to teach continually in a school for the whole term. It really is the best preparation for students teachers and smooths the transition from Uni to school.

“It is indicative of the relationship we have with our colleagues in the field that this first cohort of BLM students have had such an enriching experience in schools.".

Local schools agree that the program is a win-win situation for all involved.

Bundaberg North State School’s Cathy Scotney (pictured on the right with Rebecca) who shared her class with Rebecca said five CQU Bundaberg students recently completed their 10 week internship at her school.

“It works very well because the students are here for the whole term and really get to know the children. They are also prepared for what lies ahead, taking a class for a full term means they have to ensure their theory is definitely put into practice,” said Ms Scotney.

“We also appreciate the fresh ideas that the students bring to the class room and benefit from the opportunity to free our teachers for some training for themselves knowing the students are legally approved through the Queensland Teachers Authority. After all teaching is a lifelong process.”.

For Rebecca she is ready to go where ever to start her life as a teacher - just as CQU proclaims.