Pre-service teachers ready for jobs in the west

Wyndham is one of Australia's fastest-growing areas. In 2021, the municipality was home to 296,190 residents, and the population is projected to reach 472,120 by 2036.

This has led to a rapid increase in the school-aged student population. Many schools are expanding, and new schools are being built, which has created demand for teachers.

In 2024, VU education Course Chairs Dr Amanda Muscat, Dr Sara Gaul-McKee and Dr Bec Marland saw a need for targeted and sustainable strategies to attract, prepare and retain teachers in the region. 

VU offers four education degrees for school-level teaching: the Bachelor of Education (P–12 and Primary) and the Master of Teaching (Primary Education and Secondary Education). 

Funded by the Department of Education and in partnership with local schools, the team developed the VU Wyndham Placements Plus Project to help connect students with teaching jobs to address the teacher shortage.

Through this initiative, 94 VU education students completed placements at four Wyndham schools in 2024 and 2025.  In 2026, 42 education students are expected to complete placements, and the program has been extended to more schools in the area. 

Partner schools estimate between 53% and 93% students speak languages in addition to English, and VU pre-service teachers receive training and academic support to strengthen their capacity to teach in linguistically and culturally diverse environments; as well as training in trauma-informed practice.

Teach in the West conference

Many VU students live in the area and are keen to explore options for placement and graduate roles close to home. In 2026, there were 1,185 students VU enrolled in education degrees who live in the Western suburbs, including 303 who live in Wyndham.

Building on the Wyndham Placements Plus program, the team saw an opportunity to build connections between pre-service teachers and local school leaders, running the inaugural Teach in the West conference last week in partnership with Karwan Primary School. 

“If pre-service teachers can see themselves as part of the Wyndham education community before they graduate, they are more likely to consider beginning and building their teaching careers in the region,” explained Dr Muscat. 

The aim of the event was to create a space where pre-service teachers can learn about schools, speak to teachers and principals, develop networks and begin to see themselves teaching in Wyndham."

More than 50 education students attended, as well as leaders from six local schools.

The conference opened with two inspiring talks: from Jillian West, proud Palawa woman from the Islands of Bass Strait and Proud Bunurong woman from Point Nepean, and Emeritus Professor Brenda Cherednichenko AM, who shared insights for pre-service teachers as they take their next step in careers in education.

Building links between graduates and schools

Rosa Tamburro, who finished her Master of Teaching (Primary) in April, and is set to graduate in October, said she enjoyed the opportunity to speak with leaders and gain tips for interviews. 

“I always wanted to be a teacher, but I wasn’t given the opportunity when I was younger; I faced setbacks because of my hearing. So, I decided in my late thirties to go into teaching.”

She has thoroughly enjoyed the course and placement, ‘seeing students shine in their learning,’ and finds creative ways to engage young children. 

Karwan Primary School principal Ashley Craig explained that “with the shortage of teachers at the moment, it’s important to build the links between schools and universities and guide the pre-service teachers from study to the workforce.”

Mr Craig is a VU alum, having graduated from his teaching degree in 2006 – and said he feels a commitment to the university and the teachers who are coming through. In terms of advice for the graduates, he said:

Your first year of teaching is going to be full-on, but if you choose the right school, there will be a lot of supports in place for you. It’s important to find out about the school, go for a tour, meet the principal – because right now, graduate teachers have choice, and you get to choose the school that fits you."