Accredited Aboriginal Languages Teacher Training launched in WA

A new certificate in teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, recently celebrated its first intake of students.

Since 1998, the Department has delivered the Aboriginal Languages Teacher Training (ALTT) as a non-accredited course. In a major step forward, the program has now transitioned to a nationally accredited qualification, the Certificate III in Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

Delivered through the School of Isolated and Distance Education Registered Training Organisation, the certificate provides graduates with a recognised qualification, strengthening their professional profile and opening new pathways to further study and career progression.  

The accreditation is not only about career recognition, it plays a vital role in supporting the revitalisation of Aboriginal languages across Western Australia.  

“All Aboriginal languages are endangered,” says Lola Jones, a principal education officer with the Department.  

“This course empowers Aboriginal staff and community members to teach their languages in schools, strengthening both oral and written knowledge and passing it on to future generations.” 

The training includes practical strategies in language revitalisation, second-language teaching and the development of language-specific resources. It is delivered face-to-face through intensive block release sessions and includes a two-year practical placement at participants’ schools, where they gain hands-on experience teaching their language. 

For many participants, the program is deeply personal. 

Noongar participant, Shantelle Hansen, said her motivation comes from family.  

She said the course has given her an even deeper understanding of the importance of language. 

“Learning to teach Noongar is important to me as I have always wanted to be a language teacher and follow my Nana’s footsteps,” Ms Hansen said.

“I have been brought up with the language and a strong cultural connection.” 

Another participant, Michelle Martin, explained that for her, learning to teach Gija is about cultural survival and continuity.  

“For me, learning to teach my traditional language of Gija is one of the most important ways we can stay connected to our culture, our country, and our ancestors,” she said. 

“I grew up hearing a lot of language, but never learnt it. Now I have this amazing opportunity to not only learn Gija, but teach it to the younger generations and keep our language alive across all age groups now and into the future.”  

“Hearing language spoken is one thing, but being able to analyse and unpack the language is another thing.  

“I am now starting to understand how Gija works because it is a very complex language with so many rules to be followed, but I love it!”  

Looking ahead, her ambition is to keep Gija strong and make it accessible across many platforms.  

“I want to be able to teach Gija not only in schools but out in the community with adults and young people,” she said. 

“Making resources for platforms like YouTube with young people would be really cool, so that Gija stays around forever.”  

Another participant, Jaygo Lawrence, said the course is about giving back and inspiring others.  

“When I was growing up and in school there was no language around, and whatever was there was very limited,” he said. 

“It is important to learn to teach it because I can hopefully give students something I never had, an appreciation for the beauty of one of the world’s oldest languages.”  

Mr Lawrence said he has valued the relationships built during the course. He wants to inspire the next generation of young men.  

“I really enjoyed the exposure to people from different places. Sometimes the best advice you hear is over a cup of tea and not in a class or a book,” he said  

“As a young Indigenous man, I wasn’t exposed to men in leadership roles giving back to the community. 

“I want to inspire young men to stand up loud and proud about their culture and language.” 

Together, these participants and their peers are paving the way for Aboriginal languages to thrive in WA schools and communities.  

A Certificate IV course is planned to follow in 2027.