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Everything you need to know about teaching placements


Teaching placements are a big part of undergraduate education students’ lives. Here’s what they’re all about.

When do they start? 

From second year. This lets you get an understanding of theory before applying it in a classroom setting. Placements are often also referred to as work integrated learning.

Who organises them? 

You don’t have to worry about setting up your own work experience, it’s all taken care of. Every campus has placement officers who find an educational setting that fits your learning goals and provides you with diverse experiences. Lecturers and placement officers work together to make sure you’re ready by providing training, briefings, pre-requisite courses, guidebooks and administrative support. 

What about the paperwork? 

Our Work Integrated Learning website is a one stop shop for all your placement needs. We have checklists, tools and forms to support you before, during and after your placement.

How many placements will I do?  

It depends on which course you are doing but the number of days increases as you progress through each year. 

Teacher with a classroom

Where are they? 

We try to make sure your placement is no more than an hour away from home.  You may also have the chance to get out of town with placements in regional and remote areas, or even overseas.

What is the evaluation process?  

The actual schools where you do your placement evaluate your progress.  The criteria are set by AITSL - Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership but ACU are there to support you every step of the way. We provide a Tertiary Supervisor who visits you on site and supports your success.

What is the best part? 

You find out if you can actually do this teaching thing. The process of teaching, lesson-planning, attending parent-teacher or staff meetings and staying late after school gives you the chance to see if being a teacher is something you really want to do.

Associate Professor Jillian Fox, ACU Director of Professional Experience and Partnerships said combining your university acquired knowledge with authentic experiences in education settings prepares you best for the profession.

“Engaging in the real world of teaching helps you to build your teaching identity and step into your career,” she said.

Find out more about work placements at ACU.


 

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Impact brings you compelling stories, inspiring research, and big ideas from ACU. It's about the impact we’re having on our communities, and our Mission in action. It’s a practical resource for career, life and study.

At ACU it’s education, but not as you know it. We stand up for people in need, and causes that matter.

If you have a story idea or just want to say hello, do contact us.

Copyright@ Australian Catholic University 1998-2023 | ABN 15 050 192 660 CRICOS Reg: 00004G