Education at Ipswich is one happy family

Students enrolled in the Education (Middle Years of Schooling) at UQ Ipswich Campus have found another family-friendly element to their study – literally.

A number of the students are studying Education (Middle Years of Schooling) with family members or have enrolled in the program following graduation from the program of siblings or parents.

Final year student Jan Perren, who enrolled in Education as a mature-aged student, followed son Brad into the program.

Brad graduated in July this year, is currently teaching and has secured a position as Senior Mathematics Teacher at Bowen State High School. Jan’s other son, Steven, is also enrolled at UQ Ipswich Campus in the Bachelor of Behavioural Studies and is considering entering teaching through the new Graduate Diploma in Education upon graduation.

Jan’s husband is also a teacher, allowing members of the family to be able to better appreciate and understand tertiary study in education.

“It was very important for me to know that I was not making my two sons feel uncomfortable by having their mother go through university with them,” Jan said.

“We all shared the same experience at the same time which has resulted in a deeper understanding and respect for one another in what we have all been able to achieve.”

Education (Middle Years of Schooling) final year student Amber Jordan also understands the motivation to follow in the footsteps of her family members.

She didn’t always want to be a teacher, but when she saw her father, Vince Jordan, graduate from the program, she too was inspired to pursue a career as a teacher.

Amber is enjoying the challenges inherent in teaching and is motivated by the people with which she works.

She said her relationship with her father has strengthened their relationship, enjoying interacting with him both as a parent, mentor and peer.

“It’s good to be able to go home and talk to someone who understands,” she said.

“Dad’s in the classroom now and I get to see how theories apply in practice.

“A day in the life of a teacher is never the same as the day before. I love to work with people and really love learning about my students. Opening their minds to new things is a wonderful experience.”

Education Program Director Dr Donna Pendergast said the Middle Years of Schooling program was attractive to people with family responsibilities.

She said students chose teaching as a profession for a variety of reasons, but most remained in the teaching profession as dedicated professionals with a desire to make a difference.

“A significant number of our female students enter the program in their early forties,” Dr Pendergast said.

“They have children in school and are looking for a satisfying and challenging career that allows them to contribute to the community and be more available to their children.

“It appears that a similar stage occurs for the male students, but more often in their mid thirties.”

The Education (Middle Years of Schooling) program equips graduates to teach across primary or high school year levels. Information is available at www.uq.edu.au/education, email education@uqi.uq.edu.au or telephone 3381 1521.

Media: Education (Middle Years of Schooling) Program Director Dr Donna Pendergast on 0419 772 168. Images are also available – contact Loretta Porche in the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Ipswich on 3381 1068.