Teachers build nations: Victoria calls on multicultural communities to step into the classroom
The Victorian Government is promoting a series of incentives designed to encourage more people from multicultural communities to choose teaching as a career, recognising that teachers are the foundation of Australia’s future.
Support includes scholarships, employment-based teaching degrees that allow participants to earn while they learn, assistance in securing their first role, and competitive salaries once in the workforce. Teachers also benefit from strong career progression opportunities and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.
Minister for Education, The Hon. Ben Carroll, said the incentives reaffirm Victoria’s position as the Education State.
“Victoria leads the nation in education because we know teachers are the cornerstone of our future. They create the thinkers, leaders and innovators of tomorrow and we want to give them every opportunity to thrive,” Minister Carroll said.
As classrooms across Victoria become more diverse, the State faces a growing need for passionate teachers who reflect the communities they serve. Teachers not only inspire young minds, but also shape the future professionals who will drive Australia’s prosperity, from engineers and doctors to writers, scientists and entrepreneurs.
On why Victoria needs more teachers from multicultural backgrounds, Minister Carroll commented saying:
“As one of the most diverse places in the world, it’s imperative that our classrooms reflect the richness of our state. When students see their languages, cultures and identities reflected in their teachers, it creates a stronger sense of belonging and helps every child feel that their future is limitless.”
Vietnamese-Australian and new teacher Cindy Huynh shared how government support helped her begin her teaching journey:
“After my undergrad, I knew I didn’t want to do another four-year degree. With my employment-based Master’s degree, I’m getting paid to teach while I study, and I’m in the classroom sooner, all while building a solid foundation for once I’ve graduated.”
A meaningful career with lifelong impact
Teaching is one of the most respected professions in Australia. For many in multicultural communities, education is held close to the heart, with teachers seen as mentors and role models who change lives.
Victorian teacher Victoria Zivave, who moved to Australia from Zimbabwe and is now a Lead Teacher at a special developmental school said:
“Coming from Zimbabwe, I have a deep sense of community and value how much education can change the direction of your whole life. Teaching is definitely my passion and my calling.”
For those looking for an opportunity to make a difference, the Victorian Government is also offering subsidised and supported rural teaching placements for pre-service teachers. Rural and regional placements give teachers the chance to support communities where quality education can have the greatest impact, while also building their own skills.
Career progression and leadership opportunities
Beyond its life-changing community impact, teaching also offers robust professional development and career advancement opportunities. Career pathways often go from classroom teacher through to leadership roles such as Leading Teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal.
Commenting on this, Victoria Zivave said:
“Career progression has always been important to me. I’ve had the chance to grow while continuing to empower students. Teaching is a leadership role from day one, and it opens doors to so many opportunities.”
For more information on teaching pathways and incentives, visit: www.vic.gov.au/teachthefuture
The Department of Education aims to provide every student in Victoria with equal access to high-quality public education. The recent Teach the Future campaign aims to attract more people to teaching in Victorian government schools. The campaign is part of a $1.8b investment to continue building a strong and sustainable school workforce in Victoria.
Destined to teach: How Cindy landed her dream role.
Growing up, Cindy Huynh always thought she’d end up as a doctor or a nurse, but when the opportunity to study teaching came around, she knew it was her true calling. Since her early days as a student, she’s been passionate about learning and understands that having the right teacher can change the way you see the world.
From high school to her undergraduate degree, she tutored primary and secondary students in maths and science. She feels most at home in the classroom and finds it’s the perfect place to make a lasting impact in the community. Over the past two years of her teaching degree, she’s been able to build on her existing skills and incorporate new methods into her teaching.
Cindy is completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Internship). Her course is a Victorian employment-based teaching degree. This is one of many accelerated programs for aspiring teachers, giving them paid practical experience in schools while they study.
In full circle style, her placement is at the same high school she attended. Over 10 years later, she’s changing lives in the same way her teachers shaped hers. When she’s not volunteering as a community martial arts instructor, Cindy teaches Year 8 and 9 maths and science. Her dream is to give her students the same outstanding classroom experience she had years ago.
Chatting with Cindy
What drew you to teaching as a career?
I initially wanted to go into medicine. I’ve always been great at STEM subjects, but I knew I wanted to work in a school environment. There’s just something so special about how we connect with the students. It’s interesting because I feel like teaching and medicine have a similar process. They’re both essentially about problem-solving. In medicine, we look at the symptoms, and in teaching, we consider a student’s needs and find the most appropriate approach to reach a desired outcome.
I had really great experiences as a student, so now, when I see students find a sense of belonging in class or when they challenge themselves and master the material, that journey is so fulfilling.
Why did you choose an employment-based teaching degree?
After my undergrad, I knew I didn’t want to do another four-year degree. With my employment- based Master’s degree, I’m getting paid to teach while I study, and I’m in the classroom sooner. All while building a solid foundation for once I’ve graduated.
How do you balance teaching while studying?
It’s challenging but rewarding. There are so many moments of overlap between what we’re studying and what we’re teaching. It can be a steep learning curve, but I’ve been tutoring for years, so it’s not completely new to me.
We learn how to teach effectively and, at the same time, how the broader education system works behind the scenes. You can learn the theory of how to teach, but you don’t fully see it until you’re in the classroom. Finding balance can involve trial and error.
Outside of teaching, I volunteer as a youth group leader and a martial arts instructor. I’ve learnt to bring those parts of the community into the classroom. Engaging with students on a human level, we share our love for anime or TV shows, and I use pop culture to make lessons a little more fun.
What support have you received along the way?
It’s been wonderful to teach at the same high school that I went to. A lot of the same teachers are still here. It’s a little weird calling them by their first names when I used to call them Miss and Sir, but it’s such a privilege to learn from their experience. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, there’s a shared understanding that we’re in this together. I’ve had plenty of mentorship and guidance along the way, including through my employment-based program.
What comes next in your career?
It’s always about the students, finding what they need and the best way to support them. I think that’s what’ll guide what happens next. There are plenty of different roles in schools, so it’s about finding the best fit for me to apply what I know for my students.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in teaching?
Teaching is unique, engaging, and there’s not much that can compare to the joy it can bring.
For those who are thinking about teaching or on the journey to becoming a teacher, I would encourage you to understand your teaching style and stay open to ongoing learning. It can be challenging, but the payoff is wonderful. Be patient with yourself as you develop your skills.
Keep a focus on offering holistic support for the students. It’s all a collaboration between us as teachers, the school and families.
Start your teaching journey today
Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture for more information.
