After completing the Master of Teaching, Emma has returned to the Faculty of Education to undertake a Master of Education, following the literacy specialisation. She shares that juggling study with full-time work has been a challenge, but worth it: "For each subject I’ve done, I’ve been able to take that knowledge straight into the classroom." She was awarded the Ken Rowe Scholarship in 2020.
Q: Can you please briefly outline your life prior to studying this program?
I completed my high school education at Avila College where I had some amazing teachers. That said, teaching wasn’t always my first love. After high school I went to Monash University to study a Bachelor of Music Performance on the clarinet. It was at the end of that degree that I realised I wanted to work with children, so I applied for the Master of Teaching program at The University of Melbourne. It was an amazing degree that really ignited my passion for learning and teaching and it also helped me to find some amazing friends along the way. I also knew the moment I had finished that degree that it wouldn’t be long before I was back studying, I had the study bug, but I felt I needed to get some experience under my belt before coming back. Now, 5 years later, here I am completing my Master of Education in Literacy.
Q: Why did you choose to study at the Faculty of Education?
From my teaching degree I knew the calibre of the staff and I knew I’d come out of the degree with a greater passion, knowledge and drive for being the best teacher I can possibly be.
Q: Why did you choose to study your program?
There are several reasons why I chose to study a Masters of Education in Literacy, the first and foremost reason is that I want to be the best teacher for my students and juggling this degree with full time teaching allows me to take the most current research straight into my classroom. I also wanted to network with like-minded teachers and educational staff.
Q: Do you mind sharing which Scholarship you were awarded?
I was awarded the Ken Rowe Scholarship; Ken Rowe was a pioneer and advocate for literacy education and the support of his family has allowed me to begin my degree with the ease of not having a financial burden on my family. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to further my knowledge and career because of the Ken Rowe Scholarship.
Q: Are you enjoying studying at the Faculty of Education?
I don’t just enjoy it, I love it. I love the networking opportunities; I love meeting likeminded people and I love how the program supports our wonderful education system through current research.
Q: Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting the course?
I wish I’d known that it is going to be a little bit hard to balance with full time work but that it will pay off straight away. For each subject I’ve done, I’ve been able to take that knowledge straight into the classroom.
Q: How do you hope your course will help your career progression?
At the end of the day I enjoy teaching students, but I also enjoy supporting my colleagues to be the best teachers that they can be. I want to use this degree to support my journey in becoming a Literacy Learning Specialist.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for your scholarship?
You’ve got to have a go! I didn’t think that I would be able to get this scholarship but I applied anyway and here I am! It has made this degree so much more financially achievable for me.
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