Professional experience during your degree

Professional experience during your degree

Professional experience is essential to an education degree. It is often referred to as the core of teacher education as it assists students gain vital experience applying their university learning in real world contexts such as schools and/or early childhood centres.

Students studying an education degree will complete a number of professional experience placements in a range of situations. During these experiences, students will develop skills including planning and lesson implementation, creating resources, assessing and analysing student learning, classroom management and reflection on practice. Experienced mentor teachers will guide the development of student teachers, who will also be supported by a university adviser to ensure they reach their maximum potential as an education professional.

To ensure professional experience programs are of a high quality, the Faculty of Education works closely with school staff and teacher accreditation bodies including the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), the Queensland Collge of Teachers (QCT) and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). By working closely with such accreditation bodies, SCU teacher education students are ready to gain employment after graduation.

Professional experience at Southern Cross University is accredited as a full-time block in a school or early childhood centre. Domestic Early Childhood students are permitted to undertake a part time placement if they wish to do so. By teaching full-time under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher, students can demonstrate sustained teaching that will prepare them for the profession. Full-time professional experience placements means students may need to consider their work and/or childcare commitments.

Professional experience support staff are based the Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast campuses. Below are the contact details of staff and their location. All professional experience enquiries can be directed to educationplacements@scu.edu.au or (02) 6620 9384.

Professional experience requirements