CHARIS Teacher
Training School
Called. Skilled. Passionate.
Applications for 2027 open now!
In the evolving landscape of Australian education, there is a growing recognition of the need for teacher education programs that address not only academic standards but also the moral and ethical dimensions of teaching. While Independent schools are experiencing robust growth compared to Catholic and State sectors, the critical challenge facing Christian education lies not in business metrics but in mission fulfilment. The distinctive vision and mission of Christian schools rest fundamentally on the character and capability of Christian educators. Our ability to deliver authentic Christian education depends entirely on teachers and leaders who can integrate faith and learning with excellence. Indeed, no strategic challenge surpasses the imperative of securing a sustainable pipeline of high-quality Christian teachers who can carry forward this vital mission.
The traditional approach to teacher recruitment and development has proven insufficient to meet the growing demands of Christian schools, particularly in ensuring a sufficient supply of educators, but more importantly, Christian educators who deeply understand and can advance the mission and vision of Christian schools.
CHARIS Teacher Training School (CTTS) is meeting this challenge and calling.
Purpose
Preparing a new generation of called, skilled, passionate Christian educators.
Focus
Delivering an embedded practice model of initial teacher education grounded in Christian commitments, advancing scholarly excellence, and fostering skilful practice.
Meet Melissa Meloni
Head of CHARIS Teacher Training School
B.A (UWA), Grad. Dip. of Secondary Education (Curtin), M. Ed in Leadership (Alphacrucis)
I have been privileged to be ‘on mission’ in Education, over the last 30 years, having served in many roles from Chaplain to Principal in Wheatbelt, Peel and Perth communities.
I believe, “We Teach who we are” (Palmer, 2007), having a responsibility to steward our own personal formation as Christ followers. We are called to ‘apprentice’ and inspire pre-service teachers, who are pivotal in the formation of students who are genuinely searching for telos-purpose and meaning in their lives in a world of many contradictory voices.
Partnerships
Convinced of the nature and strength of St Philips Embedded Practice Model, Swan Christian Education Association (SCEA) has entered into a special partnership agreement with St Philips Education and its Teaching School (SPTS). CHARIS is the exclusive St Philip’s Teacher Training model hub for Christian schools and multi-school organisations (MSOs) in Western Australia. Governance of the School will be shared between SCEA and St Philip’s through an Executive Group made up of representatives of SCEA and SPTS, with ultimate legal authority resting with the SCEA Board.
CTTS is also partnering with Christian Heritage College as its registered Tertiary provider with trainees, concurrent with their internship, completing either an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in education.
The CHARIS Way
At SCEA, grace lies at the heart of our vision for Christian education: grace that is abundant and fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The Greek word for grace is CHARIS (χάρις), a term found throughout the New Testament that expresses God’s unmerited love and kindness toward us. CHARIS defines both who we are and how we serve.
The CHARIS Way is the unifying educational vision shared across all SCEA schools including Charis Teacher Training School. More than a framework or set of values, the CHARIS Way is a lived reality in every classroom, staff room, playground, and school community. It shapes the way we teach, lead, learn, and live together as a gospel-shaped community committed to student flourishing. Rooted in Christ, it draws together our theology, pedagogy, leadership, and culture under one calling: to become all that God has created us to be by reflecting the character of Christ in all we do.
To tangibly express this calling in daily practice, we embrace six (6) CHARIS Virtues that shape our identity and guide our behaviour: Courage, Humility, Appreciation, Respect, Integrity, and Self-Control. These Virtues are not abstract ideals or mere aspirations: they are shared expectations and daily habits that are visible in students, staff, and leaders alike. They provide a common language, shape character, and form the cultural fabric of all schools associated with SCEA including Charis Teacher Training School.
In a fragmented, anxious, and digitally distracted world, the CHARIS Way offers a counter-cultural invitation: to pursue educational excellence, to experience an abundant life through Christ, and to build flourishing learning communities that reflect God’s love and grace.
We are determined to achieve what is worthwhile, even in the face of difficulty.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
– Galatians 6:9
We avoid arrogance, embrace learning, and value others.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
– Philippians 2:3
We are grateful to God for our lives, others, and all he provides.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We treat everyone fairly and justly as we would like to be treated.
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
– Luke 6:31
We use good judgment and do what is right and true.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
– Proverbs 10:9
We take responsibility for our thoughts and behaviour and won’t be controlled by our desires.
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls
– Proverbs 25:28