News & Stories

Graduate teachers make a happy homecoming

How the Master of Teaching helped Madelyn and Adam return to their roots at Dominic College.

Madelyn Carver and Adam Lapolla were both students at Dominic College years before they each studied a Master of Teaching at the University of Tasmania. Now they have both come full circle – returning to the College as first-year graduate teachers.

“I find it amazing what changes have taken place since I’ve been away. There are also some things which haven’t changed, and I don’t think ever will change – the community spirit, and the love and support that everyone has for each other here. It really is a beautiful place to be,” Madelyn said.

I always wanted to be a teacher and I knew I wanted to stay in Tasmania to do it, so it was definitely going to be the University of Tasmania. I felt very supported through my placements and it was great to put everything I’d learnt into practice. That’s what I really enjoyed.

Adam credits his time in the Master of Teaching for preparing him to work with the challenges of the classroom environment.

“Every student is different. They all have their own unique learning styles, and this makes the classroom really diverse,” Adam said.

The Master of Teaching taught us all about inclusive practices, and that was great preparation for interacting with the classroom as a first-year graduate teacher. We [teachers] are all here to help and to guide the students on their journey, and ultimately, that’s what’s most rewarding about teaching.

As College Principal, Beth Gilligan has a high regard for Madelyn and Adam’s abilities as graduate teachers.

“Both Madelyn and Adam were impressive in interview and managed quite challenging questions with maturity and insight,” Beth said.

They have proved to be excellent young teachers, quickly gaining the respect and trust of students, parents, and their colleagues. They are involved in the life of the College and understand that positive and rich relationships with their students are key to good outcomes.

The University of Tasmania offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching qualifications with flexible study options, both online and on-campus, supporting Education students to achieve their career aspirations.

Interested in Teaching? Apply now to study a Master of Teaching