Hometown heroes: Regional teachers making a local difference

The ongoing need for qualified teachers in regional and rural areas is space where regional university campuses have answered the call. For many prospective teachers in these regions, pursuing advanced education has traditionally required a relocation or lengthy commute to larger cities.

UOW, however, is changing this narrative with its postgraduate Master of Teaching program available at UOW Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven campuses, allowing teachers in regional areas to build careers close to home.

Michael Clark, a graduate of UOW Eurobodalla, has found his calling as a primary school teacher. Growing up in Batemans Bay, Michael is passionate about creating positive learning experiences for the next generation.

Reflecting on what drew him to teaching, he says, “I thought it might be nice to work with kids and to help them reach goals no matter how big or small. So, Master of Teaching it was”.

UOW Master of Teaching graduate Michael Clark now works as a primary school teacher in the Eurobodalla region. Photo: Stelios Stylianou.

The opportunity to study close to home allowed Michael to balance his studies with his commitment to his local area—a balance that he sees as vital to his work.

“Everything was more manageable for me close to home,” he notes.

Jessica Stuart, a Master of Teaching graduate from UOW Southern Highlands, echoes this sentiment.

Now working as a high school teacher in the nearby Macarthur Region, Jessica recalls, “Studying at a regional university campus was one of the best experiences of my life. It was a truly meaningful experience that went far beyond engaging with course content and completing assessments”. For Jessica, who originally began her undergraduate degree at UOW Wollongong, the chance to learn and teach in her local area allowed her to continue studying.

“After recovering from an illness, driving 40-minutes from the Southern Highlands to Wollongong became extremely difficult,” she shares. Encouraged by her mother to look into the UOW Southern Highlands campus, Jessica was instantly sold.

"From the outset, I could tell that the staff were committed to providing quality education, making transfer from the main campus to the Southern Highlands campus extremely fluid." Moving to a UOW campus closer to home allowed Jessica to complete her Bachelor of Arts. She then returned to her local campus following year to start her Master of Teaching degree.

Opening doors in the community

The UOW Master of Teaching program has allowed both Michael and Jessica to avoid relocation. Instead, they could complete their coursework through UOW’s regional campuses, while taking advantage of a flexible study model.

This approach helped Jessica feel connected and supported: “By having a safe and flexible learning environment as well as the support of the committed staff members, I was able to maximise the time I was able to spend on campus in order to apply myself to my study. As a result, I found that my overall results were highly enriched and my engagement in course content increased”.

Both teachers appreciate the ways in which the Master of Teaching program integrates practical, on-the-ground learning experiences with academic coursework.

“For me, the practical classes were by far the best experience for my future role,” Michael explains. “This experience was valuable in gaining experience of what a day in the life of a teacher looks like, and the adaptability and skills required each day.”

Jessica values the practical aspect of her studies as well, noting that these placements allowed her to make an immediate impact. “The Master of Teaching course delivered at UOW Southern Highlands enabled me to be job ready as soon as I graduated, fostering the skills required for full-time work,” she says.

Building a future close to home

By staying local, Jessica has been able to build connections with students and their families, fostering a supportive learning environment that reflects the close-knit nature of her community.

For Michael, teaching in his community isn’t just a job. “When I finished the degree, I was certain I didn’t want to be anything but a teacher. I have worked as a casual teacher for two-and-a-half years and have worked in a lot of different schools. This year, they offered me a full-time gig teaching Years 3 and 4, and it’s the best job in the world”.

As Michael and Jessica look to the future, they recognise the value of regional campuses.

“I’ve gained mentors that continue to support me into my professional career, and I know that beyond a doubt that I will always be welcomed and supported at the Southern Highlands campus. I feel this holistic support is something that [larger] university campuses simply cannot offer.”

The leafy and tranquil campus setting of UOW Southern Highlands.