So you think you can.. teach?!

Contributed by Colette MacLaren

Straight from High school and into University, I completed my undergraduate degree in Contemporary Arts (Dance) at Deakin University. Like many others, once I graduated I travelled. During and after my travels I used my dance skills working and performing. I then went on to complete a Postgraduate Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary). The education course was challenging but also rewarding. I studied with a lot of dancers that had completed the Contemporary Arts course and like me, wanted to do more. Obtaining a teaching qualification allows a performer to inspire others as well grow in their skill themself, not to mention earn a regular income doing what you love to do!

I enjoyed the education course, particularly as it covered both Primary and Secondary. I was able to use my methods (dance and drama) from my undergraduate course in all my teaching rounds and learnt a wide variety of ways to engage and challenge the students. I found this particular course rewarding as I was qualified to teach any age group.

In the final year of my Education course the process of Recruitment Online and VIT registration began. It is a long process but if you do it correctly and put time and focus into making yourself a highly employable graduate the rewards speak for themself. I was fortunate in that I was already connected into a school. In my final year I applied for a Dance teaching position that was advertised in the local paper. To my surprise, particularly because I did not have full registration, I was asked to attend an interview. I was not successful in the interview for the advertised position, but was employed by the school on a contract basis to produce and direct their school musical. It was a unique scenario and one that helped me land an ongoing position at the same school the following year. My advice is, go for it. Even if you think it is out of your league, you never know what will happen as a result.

While teaching I have tried to keep my own arts practice alive. There are seasons when school is very busy and that makes rehearsals challenging, however, still practising and developing my own skills ultimately pays off as I feel refreshed and inspired to then inspire the students I teach.