As STEM education becomes a major focus in the Federal Government’s innovation agenda, how do our new and aspiring educators teaching in this area feel about the year ahead?
In March, Pahia Cooper will start her graduate diploma in secondary education (Biology).
Here are 5 reasons she wants to become a science teacher.
- Inspiring the future
Teaching is one of the most important functions performed in our culture. I believe that teachers individually and collectively have the ability to not only change the world, but to improve it. During my studies I hope to meet like-minded people who are interested in science and positively impacting upon students’ lives.
- New technology
To keep one step ahead of this generation and to be able to teach them new skills is an exciting challenge. This opens a world of opportunities to teach traditional subjects online using creativity, problem solving and design thinking skills. For example, meeting online in Minecraft to learn and explore the environment mathematically, using a 3D printer to print mazes to grow specimens for biology or coding using free online Apps to solve complex mathematical equations like the spread of disease.
- More opportunities
A Graduate Diploma qualifies you for teacher registration throughout Australia and you can also travel and teach in other countries such as the UK. In addition, the skills learnt are transferrable, with teachers gaining employment in museums, universities, the media, government and private business. Employers value teachers’ strong skills in communication, leadership, flexibility and continued professional development.
- World classroom
- New skills
As part of my degree, I plan to make the most of extra-curricular activities available at university, like the STEM Studio (www.stepup.edu.au), where pre-service teachers work alongside education academics and research scientists in a hands-on classroom to design new and innovative ways to incorporate science and technology in the classroom.