CQUniversity helping shape teacher education reform in Indonesia
CQUniversity is playing a key role in a major international initiative to strengthen teacher education in Indonesia, supporting reforms designed to address teacher shortages and improve graduate classroom readiness.
One of only five Australian universities selected by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, CQU will partner with two Indonesian institutions as part of a five-year program involving 15 universities across both countries.
The initiative, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, aims to enhance initial teacher education and better prepare graduates for the realities of the classroom, particularly in regional and remote communities where teacher shortages are most acute.
CQUniversity's involvement recognises the University's strong reputation for innovation in teacher education and its expertise in delivering educational outcomes in regional communities.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp signed the five-year agreement in January 2026 with the program being led by Associate Professor and Head of Course for Bachelor of Education Primary, Angelina Ambrosetti.
Assoc Prof Ambrosetti is a nationally recognised expert in mentoring in pre-service teacher education. She recently attended the annual Indonesia-Australia Initial Teacher Education Consortium (IATEC) workshop at the University of Malang, where representatives from all 15 participating universities met to begin implementing the identified reforms.
“Through the program, we are working with the University of Malang and the University of Medan to develop a mentoring and coaching framework for mentor teachers and university lecturers supporting pre-service teachers during professional placements,” Assoc Prof Ambrosetti said.
“The initiative will deliver mentoring standards, enhanced mentoring and coaching resources, and training programs designed to strengthen support for future teachers throughout their school-based experience.
“Importantly, the framework will be informed by research conducted within the Indonesian context to ensure it meets local needs and delivers meaningful outcomes for schools, universities and pre-service teachers.”
Assoc Prof Ambrosetti said a key focus of the reform was to increase the quality and consistency of professional experience placements by immersing pre-service teachers in school environments supported by strong mentoring relationships, helping ensure graduates enter the workforce classroom-ready and equipped to meet the needs of their communities.
“Effective mentoring is one of the most powerful influences on teacher development,” Assoc Prof Ambrosetti said.
“This project provides an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with our Indonesian partners to strengthen support for pre-service teachers and contribute to long-term improvements in teacher education outcomes."
