Welcome to the Faculty of Education - A Century in the Making
We celebrate 100 years of Education at the University of Melbourne and the reclaiming of our original name, the Faculty of Education.
On Tuesday 21st of November, we welcomed academic and professional staff - past and present, honoraries, student alumni, and former Deans to a historic occasion, celebrating a century of research and study in education at the University. This event also served as a commemoration of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, proudly reclaiming its original name, the Faculty of Education.
Our journey began in 1923, following the appointment of the first Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, John Smyth, in 1919. The Master of Education became available shortly after in 1924.
Deputy Dean, Professor Larissa McLean Davies, presenting her letter from 1994, informing her there are currently no jobs for teachers. Photo: Peter Casemento.
The evening unfolded with reflections that have shaped the faculty into what it is today. Deputy Dean, Professor Larissa McLean Davies opened proceedings and invited guests to take the opportunity to share their stories of the faculty and to think about how we are shaping the story going forward. She spoke to a notable chapter in 1994 whereby at the completion of her education studies as part of the Bachelor of Music, Professor McLean Davies received a letter advising her that, unfortunately, there are currently no jobs for teachers. This served as a stark contrast to the teacher shortages being experienced today and was a poignant example of the life and changes that the Faculty of Education has had and will continue to have.
Emeritus Professor Kwong Le Dow sharing stories from his time as Dean from 1978 to 1998. Photo: Peter Casemento.
Emeritus Professor Kwong Lee Dow, who served as Dean for 20 years from 1978 to 1998, spoke about the faculty's enduring commitment to attracting and embracing diverse talent and individuals. Notable mention was made of the Faculty’ Emeritus Professor Field Rickards, whose research in audiology led to the commercial development of the now widely used computer-based brain wave audiometer (ASSR) to accurately measure hearing in newborn babies. He was Dean of Education from 2004 to July 2017.
This talent continues to be reflected in the current academic and student cohort, as well as our alumni and honouraries. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Alumni Early-Career Award to Ms. Caitlin Powell and Dr Mousumi Mukherjee, graduates who have excelled in their fields while also continuing to make significant contributions to the Faculty. We also awarded the Honorary Contribution Award to Associate Professor. Erica Frydenberg for her exceptional work in social-emotional learning.
The decision to return to our original name, ‘Faculty of Education,’ signifies an important step towards recognising our extensive contributions to education and research. As noted by our Dean, Professor Jim Watterston, the faculty houses many breadth subjects for students across the university and research that expands across Australia. Notably, our partnership with the Yambirrpa schoolsprovides pre-service teachers with the opportunity to complete their final practicum placement in North East Arnhem Land and Yuendumu.
The name also better reflects our growing scale and global influence. The faculty is ranked 12th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings for Education, and has extensive partnerships with universities and schools internationally. Our goal is to continue to share knowledge and expand the capabilities of our research beyond domestic borders.
Looking ahead, addressing the current challenges facing the Australian education system remains a top priority for Professor Watterston. The faculty has recently commenced the new Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship (MTSI), designed to provide employment-based pathways into teaching. This innovative program enables students to earn a salary and gain practical experience on the job while pursuing their studies. Professor Watterston says during his speech:
Tackling this crisis is a government priority, and as the leading education faculty in the nation, we need to lead the response
Staff, alumni and special guests mingling during the Centenary event held on Tuesday 21st November at teh Old Quad. Photo: Peter Casemento.
A century on, the faculty continues to emanate excellence, leading the way in cutting-edge research and providing quality tertiary education that has helped steer the course of the future of education. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the students and academic and professional staff who have shaped our faculty over the years.
Attendees left feeling a sense of excitement for the future as we step into the next chapter.