Passionate about constantly learning and being challenged, Daniel Lane returned to QUT to complete a Master of Teaching (Secondary) and was blown away by the opportunities and ‘real-world’ experience he received while completing his degree.
Searching for a job that provides fulfilment, Daniel discusses his love for teaching and the mentoring program that gave him a once in a lifetime opportunity to hone his skills as a teacher before completing his degree.
What do you enjoy about your job?
After completing a placement at Victoria Point State High School last year as part of my degree, I was offered a paid teaching position where I got to work with some very willing and supportive staff. The classrooms were challenging but there were lots of opportunities to hone my skills with strong leadership support to refine and suggest new teaching strategies and ideas in my classes.
What did you study at QUT?
This is my second master’s degree through QUT and in both instances, I’ve been impressed at the integration with ‘the real world.’ When studying a Master of Business, I had the opportunity to study abroad and conduct business ventures with RACQ and Brisbane City Council, and more recently, I completed a 10-week fellowship with St Laurence’s College while completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
What inspired you to study this course?
I’ve been searching for a job that offers the same community and fulfilment that I felt as a student at my school. Becoming a teacher means I am constantly challenged, learning, and gives me the opportunity to become a part of an inclusive community once more. Studying at QUT has helped me understand the ins and outs of my chosen career as well as providing diverse experiences and supportive fellowship programs.
Could you tell us a bit about The Lauries Fellowship?
The Lauries Fellowship was an incredible program that should be mandatory for any aspiring teacher. It provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the school community for a whole term and receive financial support. Right from the streamlined induction process, the support from the school’s leadership team and QUT representatives has been excellent, with full support and trust to become involved in senior school camp opportunities and co-curricular activities. This chance to participate in a full teaching cycle from inception to marking and then review, is unrivalled in the modern era of pre-service teaching. Through this fellowship, I have learnt and developed more than I would have through a normal professional placement, and I feel confident in my ability to succeed as a teacher.
Please share some of your career highlights so far?
Some highlights in my career so far have been creating practice exams and resources for our astronomy unit, as well as helping scaffold an assignment for senior chemistry. At Victoria Point, there were lots of opportunities to enhance my skills by supporting or taking charge of units and small projects. Furthermore, being involved in lunchtime duties and taking relief classes was a great way to build rapport with students as well as taking on other subject areas or year groups, which expanded my abilities even further.
How have you managed your work and other commitments, as well as study?
Most lectures and workshops were recorded, allowing me to catch up in my own time if I could not make a class due to sport, work, or personal life. I was also grateful that QUT allowed me to fulfill my aspirations of studying abroad, completing the fellowship, and working as a teacher before finishing my degree.
What’s next?
I am spending next year with my wife’s family in Europe who we haven’t see for four years due to Covid. I have had offers to teach at all my placement schools, so I look forward to returning to the classroom in 2024.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The Lauries Fellowship was an incredible experience. As a junior teacher, the chance to work relatively autonomously for a long period in a supportive school before being graduating has helped me stand out amongst other teaching professionals.
