A podcast for new and early-career teachers
Launch into Teaching is for new and early-career teachers who want to become the next generation of outstanding practitioners. This isn’t a podcast about planning lessons, setting up a classroom or writing school reports. It’s about understanding the bigger picture of how schools work and exploring what makes a great teacher and colleague.
The VIT inquiry process
SEASon 3
This season is dedicated to moving from provisional to full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). I’m speaking to beginning and early-career teachers about how they found the process of VIT registration. I also speak with Linda Blakis, Professional Practice Manager at VIT, and ask her all about VIT registration, including what happens if an inquiry is audited.
Episode 1
Linda Blakis – How to navigate the VIT inquiry process
Do you know what happens if the VIT asks to audit your inquiry?
In this episode, I speak with Linda Blakis, the Professional Practice Manager at the VIT.
We talk about the inquiry process and Linda explains all the ways the VIT can support both mentors and mentees. Plus, she answers lots of questions that beginning teachers often have about the process.
Useful links
Episode 2
Imogen – How the VIT inquiry enriched my teaching
Imogen focused on the use of assessment for her VIT inquiry.
As is the case in many VIT inquiries, Imogen found she also gained much more knowledge about other areas of her teaching practice than she had expected.
In this episode, Imogen discusses her inquiry, the role of student voice, and how her inquiry has led her to complete further studies.
Episode 3
Lyndon – How I organised and structured my VIT inquiry
For his VIT inquiry, Lyndon examined how written and verbal instructions in his teaching practice affected students. Such a simple yet powerful inquiry topic.
Lyndon was recently awarded the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria’s 2024 Award for Excellence in History Education by an Early Career Educator.
Useful links
Starting at a new school
SEASON 2
In this season, I speak with new and early-career teachers about their experiences of starting out at a new school and the lessons they learned along the way. Plus, I share some thoughts on the little bumps in the road that might pop up during those first few terms and explain how you can overcome them.
Episode 1
Little bumps in the road (Part 1)
Launch into the year with confidence.
In this episode, I share some thoughts on the little bumps in the road that might pop up during the first few terms and explain how you can overcome them.
Hopefully, they’ll help you feel well prepared to navigate your new school journey.
Useful websites
Episode 2
Gabby – What I learned as a graduate in my first year of teaching
In this episode, I speak to Gabby, who has just completed her first full year of teaching.
We talk about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. These include managing behaviour, learning new content and navigating the work/life balance.
Useful websites
Episode 3
Little bumps in the road (Part 2)
Launch into the year with confidence.
In this episode, I share some further thoughts on the little bumps in the road that might pop up during the first few terms and explain how you can overcome them.
Hopefully, they’ll help you feel well prepared to navigate your new school journey.
Episode 4
Emma – What I learned about student engagement and wellbeing in my first three years
In this episode, I speak to Emma, who has been teaching for three years and is moving into a leadership role in 2024.
We talk about the best professional development she has undertaken and how she has developed her approach to student engagement and wellbeing.
Getting a teaching job
SEASON 1
In this first season, I talk to professionals from a range of educational settings to find out how recruitment works in each of their sectors and what you can do to boost your chances of success.
Episode 1
Jacinta Sheridan – What you need to know when applying to a Catholic school
Do you know what’s required to win a job in the Catholic sector? What about RE accreditation – are you ineligible if you don’t have it?
In this episode, I’m joined by Jacinta Sheridan, Deputy Principal and Head of Campus at St Francis Xavier College in Officer.
In addition to RE accreditation, we discuss Jacinta’s top tips for cover letters and interviews, including how to get the most from asking for feedback.
Useful websites
Episode 2
Tami-Jo Richter – What you need to know when applying to a state school
When you apply for a teaching position at a state school, the selection criteria can seem daunting. Thankfully my guest in this episode has some great advice to help you address them with confidence.
Tami-Jo Richter has been the Principal of Dohertys Creek P-9 College in Truganina for five years.
She explains what research you should do before applying to a school. We also discuss tips for during the interview, including how to REALLY answer the questions.
Useful websites
Episode 3
Teagan Collins – What you need to know when applying to an independent school
Have you ever wondered whether independent schools hire beginning and early-career teachers?
In this episode, I am joined by Teagan Collins, Associate Principal of Westbourne Grammar. She explains why beginning and early-career teachers are a valuable asset at independent schools.
Teagan also explains why some schools include students on the interview panel. We also discuss the importance of body language in interviews, including how to address all the panel members.
Episode 4
Michael Horne – What you need to know when applying to a regional school
Are you thinking you might like to teach at a regional school?
Hear from Michael Horne, Principal of Hamilton and Alexandra College – an ELC to Year 12 day and boarding school – about what you should know in order to make an informed decision.
Michael discusses how to manage the transition to a regional area, the benefits of joining a small community and what the student experience is like at a boarding school. For early- to mid-career teachers, we chat about the leadership opportunities that can exist in regional schools.