Diploma In Teaching Primary
(In-Service)
A new program for early grade teachers in Papua New Guinea.
A Pathway to Teaching Early Grade Primary
An exciting new academic program is in the final stages of development, providing eligible elementary teachers with the opportunity to achieve a Diploma in Teaching Primary (In-service).
The diploma comprises 8 units (mathematics, inclusion, English, professional practice, science, child development, social science education, and citizenship and Christian values education).
Co-designed by Papua New Guinean and Australian academics, the diploma aims to expose teachers to student centred approaches to teaching and learning, moving away from the one-size-fits-all classroom practice of direct instruction. Student centred learning acknowledges that we all learn in different ways and encourages collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
Road Testing the Diploma
Funded by the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, across 2025 and 2026 the diploma is being piloted with 670 elementary teachers in four provinces: the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Central, Enga and Sandaun. Under the pilot, three PNG Higher Education Institutions are delivering the diploma: Divine Word University, Innovative University of Enga, and the PNG Education Institute.
The pilot takes a blended approach to training, minimising the time elementary teachers are away from their classrooms.
Over 2 years, teachers enrol in 2 units each semester. For each unit, teachers complete 50 hours of face-to-face intensive classes, 100 hours of self-study back in their communities, and two major assessments. During the self-study phase lecturers check in to see if teachers are on track, and teachers are encouraged to form peer groups for collaborative learning. Their study is supported by workbooks, academic literature readings, videos, and links to YouTube resources.
By piloting the diploma, we are learning what works well and where adjustments are needed to the curriculum and delivery approach. This ensures the diploma’s innovative design is fit for purpose and ready to be rolled out more widely across PNG.
What’s Next?
The Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program, National Department of Education (NDoE), Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), and Queensland University of Technology, together with partner HEIs, are closely monitoring the pilot.
Feedback is being used to refine teaching materials and prepare for a nationwide rollout in 2027.
Thinking About Applying?
All applicants will need to have achieved their Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent (such as matriculation through FODE), a Certificate in Elementary Teaching and a Teacher Registration Certificate (Provisional or Full) to be eligible.
You will also need to be currently employed with the Teaching Services Commission and have taught for at least five years.
