After realising her childhood dream of becoming a teacher, Adele wanted to do the best job possible. With the support of a Ken Rowe Scholarship, she embarked on a Master of Education at the University of Melbourne.
Where did you complete your undergraduate qualification? What motivated you to go on to study a masters degree?
My journey within the education sector commenced when completing my 4-year undergraduate Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the Australian Catholic University.
Following this, I gained a few years of teaching experience across a variety of cohorts and primary school year levels. However, I felt as though an additional piece of my teacher professional development was missing.
This motivated me to enrol in the Master of Education at the University of Melbourne. Given its academic rigour, specialisation variety, global reputation and local convenience, I knew the University of Melbourne was for me.
Are you studying full time or part time? Do you have other commitments outside of your studies?
I am studying the Master of Education part time while working full time as a school leader and classroom teacher at a Catholic primary school in Melbourne.
The Master of Education course structure and flexibility have been pivotal in enabling me to balance study with full-time work and everyday life commitments.
The lecturers genuinely care about your wellbeing and professional life, tailoring their unit designs around peak teacher reporting periods and school holidays. With classes offered on weekends or weeknights, this has allowed study to be achievable while still giving my 100% best teaching in the classroom.
Additionally, the on-campus and online unit offerings foster opportunities to network in person as well as the option of studying from the convenience of home.
What are your specialisations, and why did you choose them?
Enjoying the inquisitiveness of visiting a library, selecting a new picture book or novel and designing a sequence of curriculum-aligned lessons, I commenced my Master of Education degree studying the Literacies and English specialisation.
Having been heavily involved in the implementation of a new phonics program at my workplace, this sparked my curiosity to discover more about the evidence-informed science of learning current literacy practices.
During the literacy specialisation, the quality of the lecturing staff was excellent. All of my lecturers inspired me to research current literacy trends and academia, which directly enhanced my teaching practice.
Dedicated to making a difference not only in the classroom, but on school-wide and system levels, I decided to take on the challenge of the Educational Leadership specialisation. This specialisation offered essential alignment between theory and practice, inviting me to look inwards at my own school leader identity as well as develop an understanding of change management concepts and how to drive school improvement, conceptualising what constitutes effective school leadership in 21st century Australian classrooms.
What made you want to be a teacher, or to work in the education sector? What inspired this career choice?
From a young age ‘teaching’ my toy dolls, becoming a teacher has always been the career path for me.
My curiosity and dedication to educating the next generation is what motivates me to be the best teacher I can be. Committing to studying the Master of Education to enhance my teaching and leadership effectiveness has been essential in living out my dream career and professional goals.
As one of my students often comments, “We have lots of ‘big brain moments’, Miss Mancin!”
When I step into a classroom and see my joy for learning translate into the lives of the primary school students in my care, I get a glowing feeling. A big smile and bubbly energy towards teaching has become my trademark.
To see the impact that education has on growing the whole child, both academically and emotionally, is so empowering.
I am very fortunate to have been a part of the education journey of so many primary school students, families and teaching colleagues. Thank you for continuing to inspire, challenge and motivate me.
What do you most enjoy about studying at the Faculty of Education?
At the University of Melbourne, the universality of education is so clear and profound.
This degree broadened my horizons to understanding education not only in terms of what is happening directly in my classroom, but also more broadly across school, system, state, national and global levels.
I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to network with different students and lecturing staff. Sitting in workshops with teachers from different grade levels (early childhood, primary, secondary and higher education), across different systems (state, Catholic and independent), all while listening to their insights and experiences, has allowed me to see education as a complete picture.
The genuine friendships and peer relationships you form while studying the Master of Education enhance your perspective and worldliness. Coupled with the international expertise of the lecturing staff, the podcasts and events that the Faculty of Education hosts, there is a strong commitment to educational excellence and equity.
Have you received any assistance to study at the University of Melbourne?
During my time at the University of Melbourne, I have been very fortunate and honoured to receive the Ken Rowe Scholarship, generously donated by the family of the late Dr Ken Rowe.
When citing academic journals for assessments, I read numerous papers written by Dr Rowe, a leading scholar who made significant contributions to literacy, numeracy and school leadership academia.
In receiving this scholarship and having the pleasure of meeting Dr Rowe’s lovely wife and son on the Student Awards evening, I could clearly see that the passion for education and pursuit of knowledge to improve the lives of others lives on through his family.
This scholarship has been significant in providing the financial assistance to fund the units in my literacy and leadership specialisations. It is a privilege to continue the legacy of Dr Ken Rowe, studying and researching in his honour.
What is the most valuable aspect of your program?
Having access to opportunities and people that encourage you in your professional journey is so important.
The professional knowledge, experience and expertise of the lecturing staff in the Faculty of Education is the most valuable asset. Their commitment to current research, participation in international projects and the way they are dedicated to the University of Melbourne is inspiring.
Every lecturer has made a profound mark on my professional development, offering guidance and advice not only with research and assessments, but also professionally. As teachers themselves, the lecturers want to see you excel and know you by name.
Did anything surprise you about your experience?
I have been surprised by how fast and seamless the degree has been, with lots of flexibility in subject options and modes. This is a major strength for busy, working teachers.
I have also been pleasantly impressed by the accessibility to research that the University of Melbourne offers. The university’s identity as a leader in research definitely is true!
What's next for you? For example, further study, employment goals etc.
As I near the end of my Master of Education, I look forward to seeing all of my learnings culminate together in the final unit, a Capstone subject.
Having the support and encouragement of the lecturing staff to consider studying the Doctor of Education/ Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) certainly has inspired me to consider future potential pathways that exist in education research.
I am also committed to continuing to share my love of learning with students, perceiving teaching and school leadership as being a major part of my identity and professional journey.
What has been your favourite experience as a student at Melbourne?
Attending the workshops has always been a favourable experience.
I look forward to my ‘uni weekends’, eagerly catching up with the students and lecturers in class. We share lots of funny, ‘aha’ and surprised moments, participating in rich dialogue all whilst being underpinned by research.
Stepping out of each class more knowledgeable than how I entered certainly is a highlight.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to the Master of Education?
Apply, you are sure to be impressed!
I still recall the day I submitted my application and when I received notification of acceptance into the degree. I was equal parts excited but also nervous about what the workload would be like. These are all normal feelings.
Now that I reflect back, I am proud that I had the courage, and encouragement from family, to study the Master of Education. I will forever cherish my time at the University of Melbourne as being a highlight of my teaching career.
What change in education are you hoping to bring about or see during your career?
Teaching and education is a communal and relational career, with every success underpinned by a solid research base.
I look forward to continuing to be a part of shaping how education evolves and enhances, through research as well as through the impact that I have every time I step into my classroom, make a leadership decision, collect a new book or pick up the whiteboard marker ready to teach and discover something new.
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