Which uni for teaching? (1 Viewer)

[mishka]

I don't think there is a thing such as "best" uni for anything - it's what is best for you. As mentioned, you need to take into consideration travel to/from campus, workload, opportunities for prac, etc.

I've really enjoyed my time at ACU (Strathfield) but I do know the course has changed since I started. My cohort is the last to go through on the old course but from what I've heard the new one is pretty similar. You'll find a few courses have changed now because of Institute of Teachers stuff.

I managed to score a scholarship with DET for Aboriginal education (even not being from an Indigenous background) so it goes to show that ACU does not limit your options to only Catholic schools. But it is an option.

Through studying theology and religious education I've realised it's not where I want to start my career and it's very hard to secure a full time position not being Catholic. But the casual work is definitely there.

I guess the benefits I've enjoyed out of ACU are the great people you meet, the lecturers (most of them will learn your name, and remember you!). Also (for me) the insights into a religion I have never really thought about and (again, personally) the opportunities for me to develop as a contributing citizen, not just a teacher. I really, truly believe that my experiences at ACU, and especially in the areas of social justice, have shaped how I view myself as a teacher.

This all might sound strange, but in fourth year I can safely say that I'm happy with my choice of uni.. so much so I'll be devastated to leave at the end of the year!!

It's really up to you to find out - read up on courses, options, opportunities, go to open days to make sure you're well informed

 

[AsyLum]

Come to Sydney Kazza

 

[AsyLum]

'prestige' - learn to spell it, but don't bother with it.

 

[DownInFlames]

pristegue.

tried a bit too hard there love...

 

[blerkles]

So outside of sydney it sounds like Aust Catholic and Newcastle are some of the best?

UNE and CSU have good reputations in terms of practical Education degrees. CSU transformed from the Riverina Teacher's College in year dot and likewise for UNE in that district, so it's not like they woke up one day and decided to do Education degrees (which seems to be the case for some other uni's), they know what they are doing.

 

[mishka]

You're doing an aboriginal ed scholarship, congrats!
I've got a number of friends at UOW (none of them with an indigenous background either) who chose that path also, all of those who applied got it so I was pretty proud of them

I wish they had scholarships for other areas also.


Same. I considered leaving at the end of last year when I completed my first degree and taking up a job out west whilst studying via distance ed, but decided I love UOW and wanted to spend this last year here.

Thanks
I know them then! There's 7 from UOW, all of whom I have met because we do the special subjects at ACU. They say it's a small world in teacher land!
So you're doing your 4th year at UOW? That's awesome, good luck with it!

 

[mishka]

UNE and CSU have good reputations in terms of practical Education degrees. CSU transformed from the Riverina Teacher's College in year dot and likewise for UNE in that district, so it's not like they woke up one day and decided to do Education degrees (which seems to be the case for some other uni's), they know what they are doing.

It's similar with ACU as well.., it was a teachers' college for the Christian Brothers before it was changed to a university. Essentially the education side of things is very prominent at ACU as a result but there's also other areas they have chosen to take on as well (like nursing in North Sydney, business, exercise science etc.)

 

[justmeme]

i dont know how people would want to become teachers. i just couldnt do it.

 

[Iruka]

If you want to be a secondary teacher, I would pick the uni based on how well they teach your specialisation, rather than on their education faculty. For instance, if you want to be a maths teacher, go to a uni that offers a good maths degree, such as USyd or UNSW. UOW is also expanding what it offers in maths thesedays, too.

Most of the theory you learn in an education degree is either useless or quite obvious sort of stuff that you either know already or will pick up very soon once you start teaching, anyway. So if you had to pick a uni on the basis of its Ed. Faculty, I guess you should opt for the one that has the biggest practicum componenet, which is probably either ACU or UOW.

 

[pisces23]

hey, i'm going to University of Wollongong for my Bach of Ed. You get to do practical work in your first or second year which is exciting!! i cannot wait! good luck with your choice! xx

 

[Slidey]

What's the average age of teachers when they start? I'll be about 24 or 25.

 

[Iruka]

I think I read somewhere (can't remember where) that it is about 26 or 27.

 

[Slidey]

Thanks guys.

 

[^CoSMic DoRiS^^]

I'll be 23 or 24, depends if I end up doing honours or not (probably not, 5 years at uni is well enough for me without another one).

I want to do some PRAAAAAAC. now, damnit.

 

[Slidey]

Faaark, choices, choices.

 

[xazxncutiex]

hey got a question! say if u do teaching at acu or notre dame or any other catholic uni, does it mean that u can only teach at a catholic school?

 

[Iruka]

No.

 

[WantToDoBetter]

No.

It's as simple as that kid!

 

[MzSandikalz]

do not go to unsw for a teaching degree.

It's poor.

wwhhyyyyyy????????????