Community & Business
12 November, 2025
Rochelle celebrates university graduation from collaborative pathway
Graduation for a local teacher through the NSW Department of Education-funded Collaborative Teacher’s Aide Pathway
Contributed by Charles Sturt University
A Gilgandra resident and Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate recently celebrated her participation in the NSW Department of Education-funded Collaborative Teacher’s Aide Pathway (CTAP) program with an ‘at home’ graduation where she now teaches at Gilgandra Public School.
Rochelle Easman described CTAP, a program which allows teacher’s aides to become fully-qualified school teachers, as a career and life-changing opportunity.
She is one of more than 1000 school support staff taking the next step in their careers through the Charles Sturt University (CSU) dedicated teacher’s aide pathways.
To celebrate the completion of her studies, Rochelle chose to do an ‘at home’ graduation offered by CSU.
“I spoke to my school principal Michael Darcy at Gilgandra Public School and we decided to do it at one of our weekly school assemblies,” Rochelle said.
“To be surrounded by my class, colleagues, family and school community was amazing, and I hope inspirational.
“I hope that it will encourage students to always follow their dreams and show fellow SLSO’s (school learning support officers) that this is an achievable goal.”
This year, more than 25 CTAP students have proudly graduated, proof that with the right support, it’s possible to balance work, family and study to realise the goal of becoming a teacher.
Rochelle said after stepping away from her initial studies at CSU due to family responsibilities, she spent five years helping run the family businesses.
“I thought my dream of becoming a teacher had ended, but a chance conversation with a school principal led to a role as a SLSO,” Rochelle said.
“I loved the work and found myself immersed in the school environment again, and when I received an email about the CTAP program, I hesitated, unsure if my dream was still possible.”
She added reaching out to Libbey Murray (associate professor in the CSU School of Education) reignited her belief and provided encouragement and guidance to complete the program.
Rochelle said CTAP didn’t just offer a pathway, it offered belief, with tailored support, clear guidance, and understanding of her unique journey that helped her rebuild her confidence. “Studying while working as an SLSO gave me real-world context for my learning, making university study feel relevant and achievable, while the CTAP community made me feel seen, heard, and capable,” she said.
Rochelle said the support from CSU was extraordinary and made a difference. “Dr Libbey Murray and Janine Ferguson both former lecturers of mine, were instrumental in helping me navigate the path forward; their patience, responsiveness, and genuine care made every challenge feel manageable,” she said. Rochelle was also fortunate to receive a $3000 scholarship and detailed administrative support to overcome hurdles due to a previous study gap.
Rochelle is now a proud classroom teacher at Gilgandra Public School and is surrounded by supportive colleagues and leadership who guide her as a beginning teacher.
“My background as an SLSO enriches my teaching practice and I understand student needs from multiple angles,” she said.
“I hope to inspire students not just academically, but socially and emotionally because I want to be a teacher who helps children believe in themselves, just as CTAP helped me believe in myself.”
