We asked 11 Faculty of Education alumni how current students can make the most of their teaching placements to elevate their skills as educators and lay the groundwork for a rewarding and impactful career.
Hit the ground running
“My first piece of advice is to contact your placement service as early as possible to introduce yourself. I understand that the first time can feel nerve-wracking, but remember—we are here, ready to take your call and guide you through what to do next.”
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Peter Zhang
Childcare manager
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) graduate
“My advice would be to contact the school early to introduce yourself and find out who your mentor will be. If possible, arrange a visit before placement begins to observe classes, meet your mentor, and connect with the students. Take time to learn about the programs, approaches, or frameworks used by the school so you can come prepared.”
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Stacey Bilchouris
Learning Specialist in Disability Inclusion
Master of Learning Intervention graduate
Stay curious
“Be a sponge. Soak up everything. Be bold, be curious, and lean into play. Step into the shoes of a child: be a pirate, an elephant searching for a T-Rex friend, or a sparkle of imagination. Ask questions, chase the ‘why,’ and let yourself be surprised. Placement isn’t just practice.It’s discovering the possibilities of what teacher you could become.”
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Teresa Beehre
Early childhood teacher
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) graduate
Once you are in the classroom, don’t be afraid to ask your mentor questions. Curiosity shows you are engaged and willing to learn. Peter Zhang
“When you are placed in a school it is important to go and observe as many teachers as you can from as many different faculties as possible. Once you are a full-time teacher, you don’t have as much time to observe, so take the opportunity to learn from others when you can.”
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Emma Love
Lead Teacher of Science and STEM
“Most importantly, ask plenty of questions, observe how staff interact with students, and be open and willing to take on feedback—it’s one of the most powerful tools for growth.”
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Stacey Bilchouris
Learning Specialist in Disability Inclusion
Master of Learning Intervention graduate
Come prepared
“I learned quickly that I needed backup ideas for lessons, contingency plans in case my mentor teacher was away, and a sense of what to do when the fire alarm went off. You really do need to be ready for anything.”
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Katherine Dixon
University teacher
Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduate
“To support my growth as a graduate teacher, three things were crucial: building a support network, prioritising organisation and planning, and setting up clear expectations and routines in my classroom.”
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Sayna Sadigi
History teacher, Instructional Coach for Staff, and College Pre-Service Teacher Coordinator
Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduate
Connection is key
“Take the time to build meaningful relationships with your students. Even within a short placement, you have the capacity to make a lasting impact—whether by helping a student grasp a challenging concept or by ensuring they feel seen, valued, and understood.”
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Skylah Sutherland
Classroom teacher and Learning Specialist
Master of Teaching (Primary) graduate)
Most importantly, focus on building real connections with your students. Fatima Ramadan
Maths teacher and MYLNS [Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support] Coordinator
Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship graduate
“As the placement coordinator, over the years I have noticed that the key word for both placements and your future teaching journey is ‘connection’. Connect with the school environment, build strong relationships with students, colleagues, and the wider community during every single day of your placements.”
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Milton Bai
Maths teacher and Placement Coordinator
Master of Education graduate
Take initiative
“The key thing on placement is initiative. [...] Go beyond the strict requirements of the placement and try to be part of the school. Offer to help with various activities and ask teachers if you can have a few minutes to explain why they did something in a lesson. A placement can often be a job interview. Schools will choose candidates if they know them and feel positively disposed toward them.”
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David Opat
Vice Principal (Student Wellbeing) and Head of Junior School
Master of Education graduate
“Come in with a willingness to apply behaviour management strategies from your first lesson. Don’t wait for the teacher to do it on your behalf.
If you try something and it doesn’t work, seek feedback and then try something new the next lesson. Don’t just focus purely on your academic side to the extent that you forget to ensure that students are following along with you. The best lesson plan in the world will not benefit any student if you are not creating a safe and calm classroom.”
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Teagan Spence
Leading Teacher of Literacy Improvement
Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship graduate
Observe the Head of Faculty that you are in and have a conversation about teaching with them. This is a good way to get time with them to discuss teaching, to show your interest and make an impact, as these people are often on panels for roles you might apply for in the future. Emma Love
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
“Don’t be worried about making mistakes in your paperwork or practice—this is a safe space to reflect, learn, and improve. Every challenge you face during placement is an opportunity to grow into a more confident and capable educator, teacher, or future leader.”
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Peter Zhang
Childcare manager
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) graduate
“Be gentle with yourself; mistakes are part of the process, and they’re how you learn and grow. Teaching isn’t a straight path, and it takes time to find your rhythm and figure out what works for you. Every placement is a chance to learn something new, so try to reflect on your experiences rather than judge yourself too harshly.”
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Fatima Ramadan
Maths teacher and MYLNS [Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support] Coordinator
Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship graduate
