Ever wanted to live overseas and study? Studying online means you can work or travel while you study and that’s exactly what Katrina Dubé did.
Katrina currently works in Singapore as a relief teacher at the Australian International School.
“When I graduated high school in 1986 I wasn't in a position to attend university but I had always wanted to be a primary school teacher.”
I have always been interested in education and am especially interested in how to best engage students so that they enjoy learning, and see the benefits of learning not only for employment opportunities, but also for personal fulfilment.
“I had attended a university in NSW as a face to face student for a couple of years (part-time) in my 30's but with four young children and a husband who travelled with work it was a challenge to attend classes. We were then moved to China with my husband's employer which ended my studies. That was until we moved to Singapore and I met someone who was completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) through the University of Tasmania's distance programme. That was in 2008 and I started my studies part-time with UTAS in 2009.”
University of Tasmania was a pioneer in distance education and the School of Education had a good reputation. The ability to study via distance education meant that I was able to continue my studies regardless of where I was living. The tutors and lecturers at UTAS were supportive and really approachable.
Even as a distance student I felt included. I especially enjoyed the semi-annual weekend sessions held in NSW and the sense of comradery shared when distance students met with staff from UTAS.
The Education course at UTAS enables you to become a teacher that not only understands the Australian curriculum thoroughly but also equips you with the ability to cater to the needs of students.
The course teaches you to recognise best teaching practices and how to merge it with the Australian Curriculum to create meaningful educational experiences for students.
Katrina currently works in Singapore as a relief teacher at the Australian International School.
During my time studying, I really enjoyed exploring how best to engage students who may be having difficulties and how to cater for their needs. It has been a pleasure to focus on the humanity within education.
During Katrina’s studies she encountered a wide variety of practical experiences.
“My first PE was at an independent school in Sydney and I learned valuable skills like observing, planning, and organising small group lessons. My second PE was in a very large international school setting and I learned about integrating another curriculum with the Australian curriculum in order to cater to international students' needs."
This was a great opportunity to work with teachers and students from around the world and I learned how to examine the curriculum for best teaching practices and implement them to students with varied backgrounds. Now that I have graduated I have returned to Singapore and am currently working as a relief teacher at the Australian International School.
"After I have been teaching for two years' full time, I would like to begin part-time studies of a Masters of Inclusive Education with a view to completing a PhD by 2025."
Katrina’s advice to future students?
If you are juggling family and other outside responsibilities, just keep studying. Even if you can only manage one or two subjects per semester, just keep going. You will reach the end and the personal and professional reward is worth the effort.