A Mudgee teacher has been selected to take part in the Department of Education’s exclusive FASTstream program, but will remain in the region as she takes her career to the next level.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced Mudgee Public School Stage 1 teacher Tamara Hargraves was chosen from a field of more than 200 applicants.
“FASTstream accepts a small number of outstanding candidates each year and provides an intensive mentoring and accelerated leadership pathway,” Mr Saunders said.
“Unfortunately Tamara will be leaving Mudgee Public School as part of this program – but she’s not going far, only up the road to Cudgegong Valley Public School.
“The fact a Mudgee teacher was chosen is a real testament to the region, and I know the Cudgegong Valley school community will welcome Tamara with open arms.”
Mrs Hargraves has taught in NSW schools for 21 years, including 10 in Mudgee, and is thrilled to be staying in the town she “loves”.
“I’m absolutely flattered – flattered, and excited for the challenge to move into leadership and know that my path is sort of set,” Mrs Hargraves said.
“I’ve had an excellent experience at Mudgee Public School, watching the leaders here – especially over COVID because they were amazing – and now I get to go up and work with the leaders at Cudgegong Valley Public School and they’re amazing too!
“What’s going to come out of this program is quality leaders for the regions and going forward into the future that’s what we need – and it benefits everybody: the community, the staff and the kids, and that’s what we’re here for.”
FASTstream is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to identifying and supporting school leaders at every stage of their career.
Participants take part in an induction process this year before beginning placement in their first school in Term 1, 2022.