DRESS to impress is the message for trainee teachers as they prepare to undertake practical training placements.
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The fun, well-presented and freshly pressed Dress to Impress event readied pre-service teachers for the classroom environment at University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus on Friday.
The 26 students who are studying a master’s of teaching in primary and secondary began their school-based placements this week.
University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus master’s of teaching co-ordinator Noelene Weatherby-Fell said the day made the transition into the work placement fun.
“This is the first of our students for this two-year master’s program as our graduate diploma of education is no longer offered,” she said.
“Today was about practising what they’re going to wear to prepare themselves for a professional environment where impressions make a difference.”
Pre-service teacher Jaydenn Opalniuk was one of a handful of males in the room, but said his gender wasn’t the reason he pushed to be a teacher.
“I really want to work with kids with learning difficulties [in low-income areas] because I’d like to teach in ways that best work for them – adapt methods in different ways to do that,” he said.
Rebecca Gallagher will do her placement at Illaroo Public School. She said she was really excited to teach children from kindergarten to year 6.
“I’ve been waiting to get to this stage where I’m in a classroom for years. I can’t wait.”