IEU members at the beginning and the end of the teaching journey

We asked Lachlan Black, a graduate completing his first year as a teacher, and Vince Muscatello, a retiring veteran educator and principal, for their impressions from opposite ends of the career telescope.

Lachlan Black, first year teacher, St Augustine’s School, Creswick

What would you ask a retiring member about a career in education?

I would ask them, ‘What kept you passionate and motivated through all your years in teaching?’ and ‘What advice do you wish you could go back and give yourself if you were starting again?’

What were the most exciting and surprising things that happened in your first year?

One of the most exciting parts was building strong connections with students and seeing the ‘aha!’ moments when a concept finally clicked for them. I was also surprised with the opportunities you get to develop your teaching through graduate programs and retreats. I really enjoyed these and getting to interact with fellow first year teachers.

What were the biggest challenges in your first year?

The biggest challenge was managing classroom behaviour effectively and finding strategies that work for a diverse group of students. Balancing discipline with understanding is difficult and is something that I expect to continuously develop as I continue my teaching career.

What will you do differently in your second year?

Next year, I plan to focus on setting up more efficient routines early on, like establishing classroom procedures and continuing to work on my classroom management skills.

What advice do you have for a graduate starting their first year in education in 2025?

Stay flexible, ask for help when you need it, don’t expect perfection. Focus on building relationships with your students first. Remember: it’s okay to make mistakes, every teacher is always learning!

Vince Muscatello, retiring principal, St Paul’s Mildura

As a new teacher starting out, here are some essential things to keep in mind:

Question:

Don’t hesitate to raise your hand and ask for help when you need it. Be curious and ask questions constantly: seek to understand! We encourage our students to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem, and the same applies to you as a beginning teacher. After 33 years in this profession, I’m still asking questions.

Balance:

Make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Teaching is a demanding job that requires a tremendous amount of effort, especially in the early years when there is so much to learn. Be patient with yourself, and don’t forget to set aside time for your personal wellbeing.

Observe:

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from those around you. Pay attention to their strengths and figure out how you can incorporate those skills into your own ‘teaching toolbox’ to become a better educator.

Relationships:

The quality of your successes and how you manage setbacks will depend on the relationships you build with students, parents, and colleagues. Invest time in cultivating strong, positive connections; they will be the foundation of your teaching journey.

Be a sponge:

Absorb as much knowledge as you can. A good friend of mine, Tom Hierck, once said something that has always resonated with me: ‘Every student is a success story waiting to be told.’

My advice to you is to be the catalyst that helps bring their story to life.