What is the Morayfield Teacher Education Centre of Excellence (MTECE)?

MTECE is one of six Queensland Centres of Excellence that were formally established as part of the Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership. The purpose of this Department of Education andTraining initiative is to develop a new generation of highly skilled teachers and in turn enhance outcomes for students. The centre is partners with schools throughout Queensland, with a focus on schools in low SES settings.

What is the purpose of establishing the MTECE?

The MTECE provides high quality field experiences and professional development for preservice teachers through engagement with the centre, their base school and their expert teacher mentor.

The MTECE will:

  • attract the best quality preservice teachers for employment in the public education sector;
  • provide quality supervision, mentoring and support to preservice teachers;
  • strengthen linkages between preservice education programs and the transition to employment as teachers;
  • develop a comprehensive, sustained induction system that supports beginning teachers to become highly skilled, committed and caring professionals;
  • provide ongoing professional development for teachers;
  • promote schools as professional learning communities where educators are reflective and collegial about their practices, providing a more personalised learning environment for students.

The unique focus of the MTECE is literacy and numeracy in low SES schools through sustained mentorship and induction.

What are the benefits of participating in the MTECE for me?

This exciting opportunity offers successful applicants a number of benefits over an extended period of time. When you are selected for enrolment in the Centre of Excellence, you will:

  • gain valuable knowledge of Education Queensland systemic processes such as Curriculum into the Classroom;
  • be prioritised for employment opportunities in state schools;
  • be supported through your final year as a preservice teacher and your transition to employment for the first two years as a beginning teacher by the Head of Mentoring as well as your own trained, experienced teacher mentor;
  • be assigned to a base school for extended practical experience throughout your final year of study;
  • be fully engaged in your mentor’s classroom and your base school’s daily operations;
  • collaboratively develop your own personalised learning program based on your individual needs;
  • have access to professional development opportunities offered through your base school and the centre curriculum throughout the year;
  • develop as an educator in a supportive and nurturing environment;
  • have opportunities to network with your peers and future colleagues.

How will this work with my university studies?

The requirements of the MTECE can be met without impact on your university course. The course outline demonstrates how the program will operate outside of your university commitments while supporting and strengthening your professional exposure and experience.

Your work with the centre will provide you with additional experience, professional development, resources and access to your teacher mentors which will enhance and assist you in achieving outstanding results in your coursework.

The course is structured in a very flexible way to cater to all universities. Summer and winter school are set dates during university holiday periods. Web conferencing times are established at the commencement of each year to suit the group and classroom experience and school professional development time is negotiated with your teacher mentor and the school.

What do I have to do if I participate in the MTECE?

If you are successful in gaining entry into the program, you are required to:

  • attend summer and winter school;
  • engage in web conference sessions with the Head of Mentoring (about once every 4 weeks);
  • complete a minimum of 12 additional classroom experience days (outside of university practical placements and internship) throughout the year;
  • complete a minimum of the equivalent of 3 days of additional professional development throughout the year;
  • complete a Professional Portfolio and a Case Study of a student (which may be used as part of your employment interview).

How can I get involved?

If you are a highly motivated preservice teacher in your 3rd yearstudying any teacher education program (early childhood, primary, middle phase, secondary)at any university in Queensland, this opportunity is for you. Your application will be due early semester 2 of your third year for commencement with the centre at the beginning of your fourth and final year of study.

Application information is available on-line at or by contacting the Head of Mentoring. You must complete all requirements of the application process – stage 1, and return your completed documents on-line to or via post to PO Box 416, Morayfield, Qld 4506 by the due date.

Your application will be considered by a panel on the basis of your eligibility and written responses in the first round of the process. You will then be contacted personally by the Head of Mentoring to discuss your application. If you are progressing to round 2 of the application process, a suitable interview time will be negotiated and the remainder of the process discussed.

Additional information and detail about the centre and the program may also be found at

MTECE contact details

Suzanne Clifton

Head of Mentoring

Morayfield Teacher Education Centre of Excellence

PH: 5428 8431

MOB: 0467 777 723

EMAIL: