Mikaella Mallet is an Industrial Technology and Design (ITD) teacher at
Mackay North State High School who is challenging stereotypes for teachers in her field by inspiring students and proving that anybody can teach ITD.
In a teaching discipline that is dominated by men, Mikaella graduated in 2018 as the only woman in her class with ITD as her teaching discipline major and believes people are missing out on pursuing an amazing career path in ITD.
'I don’t think people know they can teach ITD because they believe they require a trade to be able to get into the course. Women I’ve come across in the workplace didn’t know it was a subject they could have taken at university,' Mikaella said.
Mikaella’s motivation to teach
Mikaella comes from a family of teachers and had not considered following in their footsteps until she observed her father engage and inspire his students in the wonder of learning and she was hooked.
'I didn’t enjoy high school when I was younger and I didn’t engage with too many of my classes. After seeing my father inspire his students, I knew I wanted to help other students understand they can enjoy their learning experience by engaging with what they are learning,' Mikaella said.
'If I can get one student to find inspiration in what I’m saying and end up finding a job that they can go into and enjoy, then that’s all I want.'
Challenges of teaching ITD
When Mikaella first started her teaching career, she noticed that people were often surprised when she revealed she was an ITD teacher that enjoyed wearing a dress to work.
'There is maybe a perception that women can’t teach ITD... and I was able to prove them wrong by showing them what I can do in the classroom,' Mikaella said.
'We have had teachers come across from a science background who don’t know anything about ITD, but our school has provided them with support to gain the knowledge and skills they need to teach ITD.
'If you can find a school that supports you, then you don’t need to have that initial knowledge of the subject because they will give you the resources you need and the rest will come with practice and a positive attitude.'
Perks of the trade
Before she graduated, Mikaella had already received employment offers from schools around the state and believes other women would also be spoilt for choice if they decided to become an ITD teacher.
Mikaella encourages everyone to consider ITD if they have the slightest interest and she leaves us with her final words of wisdom to anyone considering it as a career path.
'They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but my advice is don’t be scared to try something new, otherwise you may not find something you love to do,' Mikaella said.
The demand for industrial design and technology teachers is high across the state and will continue to be in the coming years. Find out more about
high priority teaching locations throughout the state and priority teaching disciplines to increase your chances of gaining a teaching position.