Graduation Time & Year in Review

I want to congratulate those who are graduating with me this week from my Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) Degree.

I decided to graduate in absentia so I will not attend the graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga tomorrow.

Looking back at 2012, I'm thrilled that I finished my masters especially when you hear of the stories of those who have struggled to complete the course; the fact that some pull out because of time committments and not complete the course. Some have to scale back their studies to the one unit per semester and the talk of people failing units.

Just finishing a course is a big achievement in itself.

I got there because I was focused and committed. I wouldn't let any challenges outside of my studies intrude on it. In fact I let the challenges encourage me to work harder because the rewards that await will be far greater than anything.

If I look back, I am glad I undertook certain actions like volunteering at All Saints Grammar. It boosted my self esteem and it helped me develop as a professional in a more relaxed setting where I did not have to be as scrutinised as in the classroom. I was amazed by the professional relationships that I actually created there. I hope to continue that committment next year.

I was also glad that I did my professional experience there too. Small schools have helped me thrive as a teacher and the fact that everyone knows and helps each other makes the work alot easier.

The volunteer work also helped in the classroom as well as a casual teacher as well. I noticed that I was alot more relaxed and confident and prepared to face up to the challenges of teaching even better than ever. I was eager to help kids in the classroom as well as much as I could even outside my subject areas. It might be helping students to locate information and seek clarification about something that they do not understand. Some might need help writing and presenting information. I found myself in that situation many times of helping and guiding students in their learning. I could go home with my head up knowing that I did something other than "babysitting".  I am not a casual teacher that likes to sit at the front of the room and reads a book like other casuals. I like to interact and support the learning process as much as possible.

I did not predict at the start of 2012 that I would do a paid casual block as a teacher librarian either and that gave me a full immersion into what I will face as a full time teacher librarian. I was lucky too I managed to learn alot more about my professional role, which sadly was overlooked in my actual studies. There was alot that had to be learnt but it was done and done well. I'm grateful that Waverley College gave me such an opportunity and the students liked my presence there.

I still felt that my knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies was lacking and I decided to take advantage of the offer by the Catholic Education Office Sydney to do a Web 2.0 course for teachers. Immersing myself in some new web tools has stimulated my interest in using them for teaching but even for leisure too. Students don't even know that some of the tools even exist. I cannot wait to teach them how to use them and they will surely love using them in their learning. I'll admit to having a lot of fun myself playing around with the tools. 

It was encouraging that so many teachers in the schools that I have been involved with have been supportive in my studies and endeavours this year. I've also enjoyed sharing my experiences and knowledge with them as well. I hope to continue this next year


I can hold my head up high at the end of the year with these achievements. I may not have a full time job for 2013 but if I can keep the good work up, the full time job will come. I'm ready to face up to the challenges of being a teacher librarian. Even if I have to work in a classroom, I will be able to undertake that role even better than when I completed my post graduate studies. I am better informed about pedagogy and practice. I want to apply it and help the kids aspire to their full potential.

The DET Suitability Interview

There are a few websites out there that do talk about the DET suitability interview for teachers wishing to work in NSW Public Schools.

Some even go into the liberty of posting all the possible questions that one could be asked.

I sat the suitability interview last week as I need to be approved for full time teaching. Before the interview, I had only been assessed as suitable for casual teaching in NSW public schools.

You might be asking me the question - What did they ask you?


The questions are based on the professional teaching standards for NSW teachers and the questions do encompass more than one element. Generally you will be asked questions about your professional knowledge, professional practice and professional commitment.

What they may have asked me last week, may be different for your interview.

I recommend viewing the information about the interview on the DET website because it guides you well in how to prepare for it and that has to be the best site to go to.

If I have to give some tips to help you I think you should:

• Make sure you understand the professional teaching standards and what they mean. Practicum reports can act as a guide. I know ACU list examples of evidence for each element to guide mentor teachers in assessing practicum students. 
• List suitable experiences that you have been through for each element. If you are a graduate teacher or lack experience in an aspect of teaching, think about how YOU would go about it for example - How would you plan a unit of work?
• View relevant documents as listed on the DET website link that I have provided. 
• Don't be afraid to share your own research and understandings of professional knowledge and teaching practice, particularly if a question is asked about possible challenges relating to teaching such as the use of ICT in the classroom.
• Obviously dress in professional attire for the interview. Give the interviewer the impression that you are serious about wanting to work as a teacher and that you take your professional role seriously. Remember first impressions count.
• Be familiar with what the syllabus requires you to do in your subject areas. 
• Avoid memorising answers from websites like those listed above and don't worry about preparing answers for them. Just read them to see and feel what you could experience.Just looking at them is time consuming in itself. At the end of the day you don't know what could be asked. It's like an exam. Anything could be tested. 

I hope that settles some of you down as you face an interview. Feel free to comment, share your thoughts and ideas or even post some questions. 

Feel free to contact me if you want help. There is no shame.