Devika’s tackling the demand for high school STEM teachers

Devika’s interest in both teaching and STEM started early. 

“I was a cadet in the Australian Air Force Cadets and at the age of 15, I had the opportunity to teach subjects such as aviation, fieldcraft and survival skills, which sparked my passion for teaching.

To this day, I continue to deliver lessons as a uniformed staff member and serve as a STEM advisor for the national curriculum team, supporting cadets across Australia.  

I’ve always had a strong interest in STEM, ranging from building robotics to exploring aviation, as well as a love for maths and science.” 

Teaching classes of 15-20 cadets helped Devika build foundational skills in teaching techniques, lesson planning, marking and classroom management – skills she developed further while studying at VU. 

“VU is well known for its strong focus on practical experience, which I found to be critical in preparing for a teaching career. The staff were incredibly supportive and played a significant role in motivating me to achieve my best. 

The VU Block Model® and placements provided me with extensive hands-on experience, preparing me for my career as I developed my teaching skills in real classrooms. Being able to apply what I was learning in real classrooms helped me connect theory to practice and truly understand the role of a teacher. 

Each placement gave me the opportunity to work with diverse students, try different teaching strategies and receive feedback from experienced mentors. These experiences not only boosted my confidence but also helped me develop practical skills in classroom management.” 

“The best thing about my course and time at VU was the supportive and community-focused environment. From the very beginning, I felt like I was part of a network of passionate educators who genuinely cared about each other’s growth.  

The staff were incredibly approachable and always offering guidance or simply checking in on our wellbeing. I formed lasting friendships and connections that made my university experience truly special.  

Throughout my studies, I always felt supported, both academically and personally. The lecturers took the time to get to know us, offered meaningful guidance and created a learning environment where we felt safe to grow and succeed. That level of care made a huge difference to my experience.”  

As a maths and physics teacher at The University High School, Devika is dedicated to providing quality education while actively mentoring students through their academic journeys.   

“As a full-time teacher, my days are always full and rewarding. I spend most of the day in the classroom, teaching and supporting my students through engaging lessons and activities.  

Outside of teaching hours, I dedicate time to marking, planning, and participating in professional learning to keep growing in my practice.” 

She also serves as a school council member, helping shape the school’s strategic direction, and as a mentor teacher, supporting and guiding new educators.  

Devika also organises workshops and events through the Women of Brimbank, empowering women in her community. Her work with the Brimbank Community Fund addresses issues like youth unemployment and inequality in education. 

Honoured in 2022 with the Young Citizen of the Year award by Brimbank City Council, Devika's been recognised for her significant contributions to the community.  

“To me, success and excellence are not just about achievements but about making a positive impact and continuously growing.  

Success is about pushing myself to be the best version of myself, whether that’s through my teaching, volunteer work or personal pursuits. Excellence means striving for the highest standards but also showing resilience and determination in the face of challenges.” 

Improving the accessibility and quality of STEM education in high school is critical to preparing young people for the jobs of the future. 

“I hope to combine my passion for teaching and STEM to create more opportunities for young people to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths in meaningful and exciting ways.  

I’d love to be involved in developing innovative STEM programs, particularly for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, to help spark their curiosity and build confidence in these fields. I also want to take on leadership roles where I can support other educators and contribute to shaping curriculum and teaching practices.  

Ultimately, I want to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators.” 

Wyndham Tech School is VU's learning hub for secondary schools in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay, offering STEM programs, projects and spaces for Year 7 to Year 10 students. These are delivered in fun, engaging, future-focused ways, covering everything from CAD and 3D printing to robotics, game development, VR and AI.  

Located at our Werribee campus, the Tech School also provides professional development programs for teachers, principals and other education professionals. Education students at VU do their STEM-focused Block here, giving you the chance to do placement training with high school students in these made-for-purpose spaces.

Studying to become a teacher at VU means you’ll get the resources, space and guidance to nurture STEM skills in high school students. This gives you the confidence to get kids ready for the jobs of the future. At the same time, it future proofs your career as STEM gradually becomes more important.  

Become both a primary and secondary teacher with VU’s all-in-one Bachelor of Education (P-12). One of the only courses of its kind in Australia, you’ll set yourself up as a well-rounded teacher able to choose from a range of job opportunities.   

• Get 103 days of work experience in both primary and secondary schools
• Keep your options open if you’re unsure what age you want to teach
• Benefit from our network of over 200 partner schools in Melbourne
• Secure work fast, with 93 per cent of VU education graduates getting a job within four months of graduating.  

Join Devika and other teachers shaping young minds and preparing them for an exciting future of innovation. 

Apply today