Home Page > Our Courses > Why Do Secondary Eduction at UTS

An interview with Associate Professor Teaching & Learning Geoff Riordan:

Q. Why has the course changed from a Graduate Diploma to a graduate entry BTeach degree?

A. Students have given us a lot of feedback over the past few years that they find the workload for the Grad Dip to be excessive.  The reason for this is that Universities are required to cover so many aspects of teaching in teacher ed programs that we have had no option but to include more and more in the course. In recognition of this issue, throughout the State, universities are moving to Masters and Bachelors programs for graduate entry secondary high school teaching courses. 

We are seeing some interesting curriculum innovation in these programs with some universities offering induction programs and research project options within two-year courses.  We, along with some other universities have decided on the option of an “accelerated” program, allowing students to do the equivalent of 18 months study in just 1 year.  In coming to this decision we have listened to our students, many of whom are “career changers” with existing family and financial responsibilities, and they tell us that being able to complete the course in 1 year is important because it allows them to be working as a teacher as quickly as possible, while at the same time, having a workload that is balanced across more than 18 weeks of the available 52 weeks in a year.

(The BTeach includes the normal 2 semesters, plus additional block subjects in the Winter break.)

Q. What are the distinguishing features of the new BTeach degree?

A. Apart from the option of completing the degree in accelerated mode, its practicum program and the development of a professional learning and teaching portfolio distinguish the course. They bring together the many aspects of the course in a “product” that is initiated while at UTS and developed throughout the teacher’s career. 

The professional experience, or “prac” is also a distinguishing feature in that we have approximately 60 days of block teaching built into the program, and unlike some other Universities, UTS provides an individual University advisor for all students during their prac.  The advisor works with the student teacher and the supervising teacher to ensure that students have every opportunity to maximise their learning in the classroom.

Q. What kind of people doing secondary teaching at UTS?

A. Our students entering the course either straight from tertiary undergraduate degrees (in Science, Maths, Business, Languages, Human Movement, Arts, IT, Visual Arts) or as mature aged students from many different backgrounds, including: scientists, pharmacists, business people, journalists, international students, IT engineers, sports management, and from doing PhDs. As well as an undergraduate degree, many of these people are bringing with them 5-15 years industry experience within their specialisation and well developed people skills that are very important to classroom management and teaching and learning in schools.

Q. What has been your own education career path and would you recommend a career in secondary teaching?

A. I started teaching in the early 1980s and taught in three high schools.  In the last of these schools I was the assistant principal.  I really enjoyed this time and the opportunity to work with young people and with other teachers and to make school a great experience for kids.  Many teachers talk about how they were inspired by a teacher in their love of literature, or maths, or art and this was true for me as well. 

I also enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships with other teachers and working with like-minded people on projects – excursions, musical productions, mock trial teams, debating groups and sports coaching.  Some of these projects involved whole-school curriculum reform and initiatives to get parents involved in meaningful ways in the school.  It was through these projects that I began attending conferences to learn more about school improvement, and in turn this led to masters and the doctoral study in educational leadership.  I have been working now for over 10 years in Universities and I still enjoy teaching and being a member of a team of colleagues who are committed to improving teaching and learning through research, curriculum innovation and so forth. My current position is the Faculty Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning.

I think that teaching can be a wonderful career. Teaching is one of the few professions that can transform society and transform individual’s lives.  In this sense it is profound. 

Q. Where can interested people find out more about the course?

A. Course information about the BTeach is available on this website. We will also be holding various information events throughout the year. Link - Course Information Events