Teenager Olivia ‘Liv’ Wright has always been mad about sailing; but since graduating from high school, she has set a new course to become a teacher.
Now officially in her second year, the Education student is making waves at the University of Southern Queensland where she just completed her first placement.
Learning the ropes at Glenvale State School in Toowoomba, the 19-year-old is growing in confidence and experience, and is urging her younger Year 12 peers to consider a career in the classroom.
“With Australia facing an unprecedented teacher shortage, particularly in regional and remote schools, there has never been a more important time to take up the profession,” Ms Wright said.
“If you’re like me and can’t imagine another four years of sitting down and being bored by hours of endless study, then a Bachelor of Education is for you because it’s so hands on.”
“I completed my first prac only last week – I taught Year 3 at Glenvale State School – and I was still technically in my first year of Uni.”
From teaching sailing to running a boarding school, an Education degree opens many doors (or hatches, as is the case for Ms Wright).
“Teaching is a really rewarding career,” Ms Wright said.
“Every day you leave work knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s teaching them maths or teaching them to hoist a sail.”
From Bass Strait to the Torres Strait, the University of Southern Queensland’s pre-service teachers are spoiled for choice with more than 800 placement partners available across the country.
“I’m from the Gold Coast but I’m living on campus at the Residential Colleges so I was really hoping for a local placement, which is exactly what I got,” Ms Wright said.
“The University also has interest free loans for educational costs incurred whilst on placement, like travel or professional attire.”
“There are also heaps of scholarship opportunities for school leavers, as well as flexible study options.”
Find out more about Education and Teaching degrees at the University of Southern Queensland.
