I started my career in teaching relatively late, after many years working in research. After completing my graduate diploma course I thought I had the necessary skills to teach science and I was told that schools were seeking Chemistry teachers. I thought it wouldn’t take long to find a permanent position. However, finding a science teaching job in Adelaide was more difficult than I originally expectedand I soon realised that I had so much more to learn.

After multiple job applications, I had been shortlisted only a few times. I knew I needed some expert advice to help improve my chances. This is where I approached MEIST for advice. Despite my expertise in Chemistry, myapplication letters and resume were selling myself short in a very competitive market. They have shown me how to construct and write a successful application. My applications are now more professional, and better highlight my experience, strengths and suitability for the job.

As a result, I soon found regular work as a temporary relief teacher at a prestigious private school. Not long after I secured a short-term contract at a public school and more recently a semester contract at another private school. The latter was an advertised position. I was helped not only with the application, but also with preparation for the interviewas soon as I knew I was shortlisted. My mentor helped me every step of the way, including some reassuring words of encouragement right before the interview. This was the first time that I have experienced success in applying for an advertised position.

I have found MEIST to be very supportive and generous with their time. I am fortunate to have someone who obviously considers my career needs and is always available when needed. They are passionate about promoting science education. To quote my mentor, you could say I have got my “foot in the door”.

MEIST also promote the latest technology and training for science educators. After attending a number of sessions run by MEIST,I introduced some of this technology into my classes for improved student learning. I highly recommend MEIST to anyone who is serious about science education. Since approaching MEIST, I now feel better prepared in terms of pursuing a career in science education and keeping up to date in the classroom.

In my first year of teaching I found the challenge ahead of me very daunting. I taught two classes in Stage 2 Psychology, one at Stage 1 together with two Middle School Science classes. However it was highly overwhelming and I noticed how much hard work and preparation goes into these classes so that the students can learn and benefit from.I contacted MEIST who were able to direct me towards experienced teachers who could help me begin my career as a teacher. One of my mentors worked with me specifically with the Middle School Science aspect of my work. During my teaching this year my MEIST mentor was supportive and was able to teach me simple but successful strategies that I could implement in my Science classes. He has helped me in so many areas of teaching. These are outlined below.

Stress

My mentor taught me that the role of a teacher is demanding and that it takes a lot of your own time to prepare and construct successful and enjoyable science lessons. As much as it is rewarding to see the students in my classes enjoy and benefit from the lessons that I plan, it is time consuming.  My mentor showed me how to manage all facets of my life in order to gain a balanced outlook. He taught me that it is important to have some time for me as it is important to look after myself so that I can give 100% of myself when in the classroom. He also showed me how to work efficiently to reduce stress by helping me plan my lessons and units of work that I have had little knowledge in. He has helped by providing resources, practical ideas and has also demonstrated these practical work to me so that I can understand it more thoroughly. This has helped to put things into perspective and has helped me become confident in teaching my classes.

Resources

My MEIST mentor has been an excellent mentor in supplying me with resources in the areas of Middle School Science. These resources have helped me get ideas of the types of activities, practical lessons and assessments pieces that I can modify and make my own so that I can deliver to students.  As a beginning teacher it is not easy as sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to come up with ideas of what could be good or what works and doesn’t. The resources that he has supplied me with have been excellent aids in helping me deliver enjoyable assessments and activities that the students learn and benefit from. In addition he has taught me how to structure these resources so that they meet the National Science Curriculum expectations.

Constructive feedback

Throughout my first year as a full time teacher in the areas of Science my mentor has been able to provide me with constructive feedback that has helped me to recognize the areas I have been successful in but also in the areas that I need to still work on. He is an excellent communicator in providing me with alternative examples that could work better in future.

My other MEIST mentor worked closely with me during my first year as a beginning teacher as I was faced with the challenge of teaching a Stage 1 Psychology class and two Stage 2 Psychology classes. The subject of Psychology is my passion and is my first area of learning. I could not have had a better mentor as would describe  her as  one of the best Psychology teachers I have seen. When I first met this mentor I was impressed with her nurturing and caring nature. I felt at ease and some of my anxiety and nerves were relieved knowing that I had been recommended someone with the knowledge and experience in the area of Psychology. She has been an admirable mentor and has taught and supported me through my challenging year with Stage 2 Psychology. At the same time she has been a friend who listens when I am in need to talk to someone about what has worked well and what areas still need work in this subject.

 

Assistance in applying for work:

I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with a MEIST mentor when writing application letters for teaching positions.

One of the areas where MEIST has really assisted me with is in structuring and writing my application letter and resume when applying for my first teaching job. They demonstrated and taught me what is required in writing a good application letter and most importantly they has assisted me with the content that needs to be included in an application in order for it to be successful in being considered for the next stage which is the interview process. They will not write the application for you as they believe you can only be successful if you are describing yourself, hence the assistance they provide is excellent.

 

They also assisted me to prepare for interviews and they discussed with me possible interview questions that may be asked. Again this has helped me relief some of the anxiety and nerves that come with preparing and sitting for an interview.

 

I was able to be successful both times when applying for work, firstly the job I had this year and again in securing another year at the same school. I also know of many friends who have been successful after using MEIST when preparing for job applications and interviews.