For many career changers, the cost of returning to study can be a big hurdle to starting a teacher degree.
Did you know there are a number of scholarships and grants to support career changers with the costs of studying as well as moving to rural and remote communities within Queensland?
Peter was successful in accessing a number of grants throughout his Masters of Teaching to assist him with study and teaching transition costs. With a wife and 2 young children, Peter was able to pivot his career and change his life with a move to Mt Isa.
We caught up with Peter to hear more about his career change—from the lab to the classroom.
Tell us about yourself – why science?
I have over 20 years' experience working in research and private enterprise, both in UK and in Australia. My experience in science is quite broad. I set up laboratories, investigated human genetic disorders and even the genetic causes of reduced fertility/infertility. Helping over 30,000 babies be born through IVF and fertility support was a highlight of my career.
Why did you decide to change careers to become a teacher?
I had 2 wonderful teachers at high school who ignited that drive and passion, in Biology and Chemistry. After graduating from university, I was in the right place at the right time with support from the right people but felt as though I was forever moving away from teaching—my other passion. Throughout my career I had an undercurrent of educating others. I took the plunge with studying my Masters of Teaching while still working full-time and now the dividends are paying off.
Why did you apply for the grants and scholarships offered by the department?
I had seen the Regional, Rural and Remote Graduate Teacher Scholarship and professional experience grant advertised the previous year when I had already started to investigate going regional/rural after graduation from my Masters of Teaching. I knew if I was successful in obtaining a scholarship, it would be helpful and valuable when moving my family away from the Brisbane area to work elsewhere in Queensland.
I worked hard on my scholarship application to make sure that I stood out from the many other applicants—putting in the time and effort to showcase my skills, knowledge and passion for STEM—which I've now taken to the classroom.
What impact did access to the scholarship have on your teaching pathway?
The department offers support with moving costs, however, the grant assisted with the ability to cover out of pocket relocating costs that weren't covered elsewhere, such as new purchases to ensure family life was more comfortable in the new community and purchasing STEM teaching resources (curriculum and classroom) that benefited myself and my students. On the family side of things, it meant that we could enjoy our new environment without worrying if we could afford to explore our new region.
Why did you decide to teach in a rural or remote community?
Why shouldn't regional and rural schools have excited, passionate and dedicated beginning teachers with world class experience, delivering lessons based on decades of cutting-edge technology?
When embarking on this journey as a family, we were “all in”. We had a few bumps along the way before we arrived—but that makes the journey more memorable and worthwhile when all the positives begin to appear. Time and time again, you see and feel the success. You feel and hear the support and commitment from everyone wanting you to succeed.
In Mt Isa, everywhere in town is a short 5-minute drive. Driving to and from school at the beginning and end of the day is such a short journey, so we get more family time during the week. On the weekends, thirty minutes travel out of town and you could be in another time zone with glowing orange hills with rich red soil, dotted with green eucalypts along a trickling waterhole and the odd camel wandering around. It really is a unique experience.
Peter's top tips for someone considering a career change
Consider the number and types of scholarships and grants available
There are a multitude of ways to help your bank balance while you undertake your studies. Seek out and apply for departmental and university scholarships and grants to assist with the financial implications of changing careers. Having access to these helps with the costs while you study. Others may help to relocate for placements or employment, and can help you and your family get set up somewhere new. It's always good to know what is out there to assist you change careers.
Don't think you'll be starting from the bottom—your experience is valued!
Career changers bring invaluable skills and experience into the classroom. Being able to bring real life and workplace experience is such an appreciated asset. By having practical experience in a broad skill set this can make learning more engaging and meaningful, helping to motivate students and help them be their best.
Say “Yes” to everything
Get involved, be proactive within the school, get to know the students at as many school activities as possible and get involved in the school community—it is so much easier to achieve and create meaningful connections in a smaller town than in the big city.
Give it a try, you never know where it could take you.