Gloria Yi | Master of Teaching (Primary), Master of Teaching (Secondary)

With qualifications in both primary and secondary teaching, Gloria Yi now teaches maths at St Albans Secondary College, where she also leads staff development and mentors early career teachers. Reflecting on the guidance she once received, she’s now shaping the next generation—both in the classroom and through coordinating pre-service teacher placements.

What course did you study at the Faculty of Education (then MGSE)?

I graduate from the Master of Teaching (Primary) program in 2018 and Master of Teaching (Secondary) program in 2020.

What do you remember fondly from your time there?

I remember the strong sense of community and support among my peers and lecturers. The collaborative learning environment, especially during placements and tutorials, helped me grow both professionally and personally. I also really valued the diverse perspectives shared in class—learning alongside people from different backgrounds enriched my understanding of teaching and education. I’m especially grateful for the incredible guidance I received from Mr Trist Jones, our Clinical Specialist during my primary teaching placements; Ms Jodie Kennon, my primary teaching placement mentor; and from Mr David Portal and Mr Steven Woolmer, my secondary teaching placement mentors. They all went above and beyond to encourage me to reach my full potential, and their exemplary professional practice inspired me to reflect deeply on the kind of teacher I aspire to be.

What do you love most about your current role?

Currently I’m a maths teacher at St Albans Secondary College. Further to this, I also have leadership roles in staff development and the school maths faculty. What I love most about my current role is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and colleagues. Teaching maths allows me to help students build confidence in a subject that many initially find challenging, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth over time. Another important part of my responsibilities is to coordinate the pre-service teacher placement program which was how I reconnected with the Faculty. This has been a full-circle moment — it's a privilege to help shape the next generation of teachers, just as my mentors once did for me.

What helped you most as a graduate teacher when you first started out?

What helped me most as a graduate teacher was the support of colleagues who generously shared their time, resources, and advice with me. Having mentors I could turn to for feedback and reassurance made a big difference in navigating the challenges of those early years. I also found that the practical training and reflective practices I developed during my time at the Faculty of Education gave me a strong foundation to build from, especially in areas like lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding diverse learner needs. Staying open to learning and being part of a collaborative school culture really helped me grow in confidence and capability.

Now I also oversee the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) full registration program at my school and work closely with graduate teachers to support them with the inquiry process. I feel it really helps to allow time for growth and to keep a willingness to learn, reflect, and keep improving. Seek out feedback, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try new strategies in the classroom. Building relationships with students, colleagues, and mentors will make all the difference. Most importantly, remember why you chose to teach—holding onto your purpose will help you stay grounded and inspired through both the challenges and the rewards.

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