Georgina Fiedler had always been interested in teaching but wasn’t sure whether she wanted to go to university when she left school. She worked on cattle stations and feedlots in Queensland and New South Wales for 6 years before moving to Brisbane to pursue her passion of teaching. With her love of the rural lifestyle, coupled with support from a
Beyond the Range Professional Experience Grant, Georgina embarked on her first professional experience placement (prac) in Capella in Central Queensland.
We spoke to Georgina about her Beyond the Range experience.
Why did you decide to study teaching?
I am a people person and I like the flexibility and opportunities that a career in teaching can give. I also hope to be able to share some of my life experiences and to inspire my students to follow their natural talent and interests.
Before going on your first placement, what were your expectations and how did you prepare for it?
I had picked out places in Queensland where I already knew people and my placement coordinator at university also happened to know the principal of
Capella State High School, so that’s how I ended up at that school for my prac.
Before going on placement, I went to 2021 Teach Rural Career Fair and I had the opportunity to meet with the principal of Capella State High School because she was there giving a presentation. It was great to meet her in person, but we also communicated over email and she was really helpful. She sent me information about accommodation and what was in the town (they didn’t have a grocery store), so I was prepared to have a real rural and remote experience.
Receiving the Beyond the Range grant before going on placement allowed me to buy clothes for teaching and pay for transportation and accommodation, so I could focus on the learning experience and enjoy my time without having to worry about any financial pressure.
Because it was my first placement, I didn’t really know what to expect. I rang the principal directly so that I could introduce myself and we could have a chat about what to expect while on placement. She gave me phone numbers of other teachers too so I could ask further questions about living and working in the community. I recommend other people do the same thing too so they can feel more prepared for their placement.
What were your concerns before going on your first prac?
I was nervous about teaching for the first time because I’d never been in front of a class of students before. I hadn’t been in a school environment apart from when I was studying in school myself, so I was nervous about not having any experience in the classroom.
I was also worried about not knowing anyone and travelling 10 hours to a town where I would be on my own.
How did you overcome these concerns and what support did you receive?
Before going, I tried to keep an open mind without having too many expectations because it was my first placement experience. I really wanted to make the most of the experience and give it my all.
The day I arrived in Capella, the principal gave me a tour of the school and orientation. All the teachers at the school were also very welcoming and they introduced me to more than just the school, they introduced me to the wider community as well. After my first week, they took me to the pub, where I got to know everyone and I attended local football games and the local show where students were showing cattle. I felt involved with the school community and local community during my time there. It was so much fun I almost didn’t want to come home.
There was also fully furnished departmental housing for me to stay at and the school help organised this during my placement. The school did a lot to help prepare me for everything and alleviate any concerns I was having about doing a placement in a town I had never been to before.
What have you learned after doing your placement in a rural community?
Overall it was a really positive experience and I’m glad I was able to take this unique opportunity to teach in a rural school. It’s so much more than doing a mandatory placement and turning up. I got to experience the rural lifestyle and meet so many different people. Capella is small school of about 180 students, so it was great being able get to know many of the students and their parents too.
Would you recommend that others consider a rural placement and why?
I highly encourage anyone who wants to be a teacher to experience teaching in a rural community. Even if they are unsure about teaching in a rural school, prac is the perfect opportunity to give it a try. They definitely won’t regret it and you will get the opportunity to meet so many great people.
It was also a very welcoming and relaxed school community. I found things to be at a steadier pace, which was great for my first prac because it made me feel more relaxed and confident to try new teaching strategies.
Would you go back to a rural school and do you have any advice for anyone considering a rural placement?
I will definitely go back! There are so many opportunities for teachers in rural and remote communities and it’s a great way network and make contacts in smaller areas.
Even though going out to a rural community can be intimidating, I recommend people give it a try because I don’t regret anything and I had the best time.
Keep an open mind when you head out there. Try new experiences and meet new people. Put yourself out there and make an effort to be involved in both the school and wider community. Doing all those things is what made the entire experience so enjoyable for myself.
Georgina expects to graduate in 2022 and we can’t wait to see where her teaching journey takes her.
Using your professional experience placements while you’re at university to sample different communities you might like to teach in when you graduate is a smart way of getting ahead. You’ll make valuable connections and gain a variety of experiences, all without any long-term commitment.
Our Beyond the Range Professional Experience Grant can support you to experience living and teaching in these communities by providing financial support to assist you with travel and accommodation during your prac.
Learn more about the grant