FORMER Duval High School student Brittany Singleton has been named as one of just 16 high-achieving school leavers to have been awarded the first rural teaching scholarships in NSW.
Ms Singleton was in Parliament House last week, where Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli presented the scholarship to her.
“These new scholarships recognise the capabilities and commitment shown by students who are beginning their teaching studies this year and will go on to teach in subject areas of need in rural NSW schools,” Mr Marshall said.
Ms Singleton, who finished her HSC last year and is about to begin her tertiary studies at the University of New England, will receive almost $30,000 in financial support while at university. In exchange she will begin her teaching career at a school in a rural and remote area of the state.
“Brittany is an outstanding young person who combines the essential ingredients we were looking for when this scholarship was created – high academic performance, a strong desire to teach others and a commitment to working in a regional setting,” Mr Marshall said.
“Having grown up in Dorrigo and Armidale, Brittany is already well aware of the attractions of life here while some are city kids who have been inspired to make the change,” he said.
Ms Singleton said she was studying to become a high school mathematics teacher after being inspired by her Duval High teachers.
“All my school life was in the public education system and it has been an overwhelmingly positive and inspiring experience,” she said.
“Outstanding teachers gave me hope, encouragement and support all through school years.”
The rural teaching scholarship program will be expanded this year with up to 50 scholarships made available in 2015. Applications will open in May.
