Emily Metcalf | Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship

For Emily Metcalf, the best part of teaching is seeing her students learn and improve while having fun at the same time.

“Seeing their growth, seeing their enjoyment, there’s nothing more special to me,” Emily enthuses.

Emily chose the Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship – also known as MTSI – because it allowed her to learn and teach at the same time, building her confidence as an educator through real-world experience while forging links between theory and practice.

There were times when I was using practical examples that I was actually dealing with in the classroom, and it immediately reinforced everything that I was learning.

Because MTSI interns are paid a salary, Emily was able to focus on learning to be the best teacher she could be without stressing about finances.

“Being able to earn while on placement was a huge benefit,” she emphasises.

The support she received from Faculty of Education staff was also invaluable, and came backed by experience as well as theoretical knowledge.

“They’re all ex-teachers. They all know exactly what it’s like, and they were incredibly supportive.”

That grounding helped her navigate the complexities of teaching young people in unprecedented times, giving her the tools to show up each day as the teacher her students need.

I feel the internship has prepared me for the realities of this job.

One moment stands out as a turning point. After a difficult day, Emily arrived at school to find her year 7 students waiting at the door with a gift hamper they’d put together, including a handwritten note from each child.

“It was just the most rewarding thing. That was the moment where I felt, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. This is where I’m meant to be.”