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Professional experience

Professional experience is pivotal to an education degree. It is often referred to as the "core of teacher education" as it assists students gain vital experience in 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 contexts. During these experiences students will develop skills that include 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 meet their maximum potential as an education professional.

To guarantee professional experience programs are of high quality, the School of Education works closely with school staff and teacher accreditation bodies such as the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. By working closely with accreditation bodies, SCU teacher education students are prepared to seek employment upon graduation.

Professional experience at Southern Cross University is accredited as a full-time block in a school or early childhood centre. 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 work and/or childcare commitments.

Located at the campuses of Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast are professional experience support staff. Below are the contact details of staff and their location. All professional experience enquiries can be directed to educationplacements@scu.edu.au

Professional experience staff contacts

NAME	ROLE	PHONE	EMAIL
Dr Suzanne Hudson	School Director, Professional Experience	+61 7 5589 32 56	sue.hudson@scu.edu.au
Ms Sandra Kenny	Professional Experience Placement Coordinator	+61 2 6620 3295	educationplacements@scu.edu.au
Ms Jenny Barron	Professional Experience Placement Officer Coffs Harbour Campus	+61 2 6659 3657	educationplacements@scu.edu.au
Ms Judy de Vries	Professional Experience Placement Officer Lismore Campus	+61 2 6626 9320	educationplacements@scu.edu.au
Ms Alison Adams	Professional Experience Placement Officer Gold Coast Campus	+61 7 5589 3126	educationplacements@scu.edu.au