Scottish-born Laura Wess is studying a Master of Teaching at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), supported by the Queensland Government's 'Turn to Teaching Internship Program'. While she didn't set out to be a teacher, it was her love for languages and commitment to making a difference in rural communities that led her down the surprising path to teaching.
Laura loves languages. Originally from the UK, where languages are far more prioritised at school than they are in Australia's education system, Laura studied French, German, Spanish and compulsory Welsh (to "keep Welsh alive") while a schoolgirl growing up in Wales.
After a move to Australia, Laura's academic journey started at the Australian National University (ANU), where she initially pursued a Bachelor of Asia Studies, focusing on Japanese and Korean. Her passion for languages led her to South Korea for a year as an exchange student, an experience that shaped her future career.
"I went to South Korea for a year as an exchange student, and I made a friend who offered me a job as an English language teacher in Jeju, South Korea. So, after returning to Australia to graduate, I actually went back there to work for four years."
Laura initially thought she might become a translator or work in tourism, but her experience in South Korea teaching English as a native speaker ignited a new passion.
"I didn't expect to be a teacher, but I thought it could be fun to try for a year, and then I couldn't stop… I loved it."
After returning to Australia in 2023, Laura researched becoming an English language tutor, but decided it would be better to "become a real teacher in a school," as opposed to working online as a tutor and "chasing down clients."
This decision led her to the Turn to Teaching Internship Program (TTT Program), a Queensland Government initiative that helps career changers get into the classroom. Her choice was influenced by both the TTT Program's structure and her love for rural Australia.
"The key driver that made me decide to apply for the Turn to Teaching program was actually the rural aspect... when we moved to Australia, we moved to Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, and I loved it. It was so uniquely Australian, being out in the bush."
The TTT Program, which offers a job placement upon completion, also gave Laura security and support. "It's a guaranteed job after my studies," she says. "I already know I'm going to teach in Lockyer, which is perfect for me… I know where I'm going, where I'm moving, where I'm packing, and I have a lot of time to really think about it."
Before applying for the TTT Program, Laura enrolled in a Master of Teaching at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). It was during a meeting with Associate Professor Debbie Heck that she decided to apply for the Internship.
"Dr Heck said, 'The TPP Program will pay your scholarship for the first year, and then you've got an internship; and if there's an issue, you've got all these mentors that break it down, look after you, check in, help you plan things.' I thought, that just sounds so supportive, like a really safe space to learn to be a teacher."
This support network has been crucial as Laura prepares for her future teaching career. "After a certain amount of in-person study, we then go online because we'll be in our internship, doing part-time work and part-time study, so we'll be teachers," she explains.
The Program's structure, which includes an eight-week observation period, helps ease the transition into the classroom. "You get to meet all the students, all the staff… it's like a long practicum, which relieves a bit of the stress."
"I think if you're already in the Master of Teaching, why wouldn't you apply for the Turn to Teaching Program? You get the same amount of training, but it's all paid for through the scholarship. You also get a guaranteed job, so you don't have to start job hunting after uni… they've done the hard work for you."
As Laura prepares to step into the classroom full-time, she's grateful for the life experience she's had which will help equip her for the role of teacher. "Having life experience before going into teaching has helped me learn to be flexible, I can roll with the punches a bit more… I'm more resilient too," she says.
Dr Alison Willis, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching at UniSC, emphasises the value of programs like Turn to Teaching. "UniSC is very pleased to partner with the Queensland Government in the provision of the Turn to Teaching Program," she says.
"It is an amazing opportunity where students are financially supported to help meet the costs of living while studying. This kind of support enables people to raise their aspirations and become teachers."
Applications for the 2025 Turn to Teaching Internship Program close on the 22nd of September, 2024. For those with a passion for teaching and a desire for a supportive, structured entry into the profession, the Turn to Teaching program offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future generations.
