By Leigh Dawson
An invaluable two-week classroom immersion experience in the first year of an Education degree at The University of Notre Dame Australia cemented Teagan Medcalf’s decision to become an early childhood teacher near her home town of Mandurah.
Teagan, who graduated from Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus in December, will commence her role at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Pinjarra, in Term 1, 2015 after successfully completing her internship at the school as part of her degree.
Teagan says extensive practicum opportunities and tangible theoretical outcomes, delivered in a personalised learning environment as part of her Early Childhood degree, gave her the confidence and knowledge required for a smooth transition into the classroom.
“I chose to study at Notre Dame because of its mission to develop confident and passionate early childhood educators who would be classroom-ready by the end of their degree. Lecturers and tutors in the university’s School of Education brought years of teaching experience and passion for the vocation with them to each class, making my time at Notre Dame an enjoyable and productive one,” Teagan said.
The university was established in 1989 with the express purpose of delivering excellence in teacher education. A hallmark of Notre Dame is its commitment to graduating job-ready teachers, reflected in the School of Education’s emphasis on practical learning opportunities, where students can get a feel for the teaching environment.
Across the four-year Early Childhood and Care degree, students are required to undertake 32 weeks of practicum in a number of settings, from early learning centres to primary schools, combined with specialised early childhood units of study. These provide students with a holistic learning approach and confidence in their teaching abilities.
“Early childhood is a crucial time of development. Undertaking a specialised early childhood degree is recognition of this crucial time for children,” Christine McGunnigle, Early Childhood Education and Care Programs Coordinator in Notre Dame’s School of Education Fremantle, said.
“Notre Dame’s Early Childhood and Care degree focuses on developing confident and passionate early childhood professionals who are industry-ready. Upon graduation, students have worked in a range of settings, across birth to age eight, and have developed strong professional connections.”
It’s not too late! Applications are still open for 2015. Visit www.notredame.edu.au to find out more.