Pre-Service Teaching

@GSSC

Teaching placements are an essential component of initial teacher education programs, but they are also a daunting challenge. When I was informed of my teaching placement at Greater Shepparton Secondary College, I was extra nervous because of the added challenge of remote learning. Teaching in a classroom is one thing, but teaching through technology with little room for error was a worrying concept.

On my first day, I didn’t know what expect. I honestly didn’t want to disappoint the students, my mentor, the school, my university and most importantly myself. Yet I braced myself to accept whatever may come my way and little did I know that this placement would change my life!

My time with GSSC has been an absolute delight. It has been wonderful to work with such a professional, supportive group of teachers who helped me grow to my fullest potential. The environment was warm and welcoming, and I never felt nervous. A big thank you to McGuire Campus Principal, John Sciacca, for extending opportunities for pre-service teachers to gain professional experience, even during the challenging times of COVID-19. I started off as someone who has zero experience with regards to remote teaching and here I am now, a fully confident individual, ready to conquer whatever challenge may come my way.

I worked day-to-day with my mentor teacher, Steph Tregear, with her Year 7 and Year 10 English classes. I was pushed to develop my teaching practice, challenge my teaching skills, and overall be true to myself with my students, which allowed me to get comfortable in my role as a teacher. It was wonderful to build positive relationships with students and work with them during remote learning. I absolutely enjoyed teaching these students of GSSC – they were warm and welcoming, and full of positive spirits!

I also received immense support from the rest of the GSSC staff. I never felt excluded and I was welcomed at every opportunity. They valued my input and gave me the chance to ask questions and express myself during meetings and professional learning programs. 

This assuaged my nerves and helped me feel like part of the team.

Thank you so much to everyone at Greater Shepparton Secondary College for all the wonderful experience you have provided me with. I will always cherish my time here and the knowledge I gained. Thank you so much for making this the best placement I have experienced. May you flourish and conquer the field of education.

Chithru De Silva

Victoria University