School and University partnership reaps rewards

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Education student Kerri Davies has seen the fruits of her labour thanks to a partnership formed between the University and Redbank Plains State High School (RP SHS).

Kerri recently completed professional experience at the school and was delighted to catch up with a student she had worked with as a support reading teacher six years earlier.

'The last time I saw her she was in Grade Two, so it was great to meet her again as a thirteen year old and see how far she had come,' Kerri said.

Kerri was among the first round of USQ Education students to undertake their professional experience at the school through the partnership agreement.

USQ students also assisted RP SHS students with their special needs in the classroom on a voluntary basis as part of the agreement. The two institutions also exchange professional knowledge through development seminars and guest lecturing regularly.

Kerri said she had enjoyed her time at RP SHS so much she had applied to do further professional experience at the school.

'I liked the diversity available in the Special Education Unit as they had smaller classrooms, so the children could really benefit from what I had to teach them. 

'Like most teenagers, they may not realise how significant the things they have learned from you are until later in life, but they are important.'

During her professional experience Kerri concentrated on reading, sight words, team work, collaboration and social skills.

'It was also great to put into practice the behaviour management techniques we learned in lectures.

'At first the students were intrigued and wanted to spend time getting to know me rather than finding out why I was there in the teaching capacity.

'When I go back to the school again, that should be out of the road and we can get straight to work - I feel privileged they wanted to take the time to get to know me.'

This is not the first time Kerri has been in a classroom however, as the Camira mother-of-two worked at her children's school as a Teacher Aide for many years before deciding to complete the Bachelor of Primary and Middle Schooling.

'Working as a Teacher Aide I was able to watch the Teachers at work and just knew I could do what they were doing.

'I decided to study teaching to take ownership of what was happening in the classroom.

'As it is my last year of study this year, I will be entering the classroom just in time to meet up with more of the students I worked with at Camira State School over the years.'

Kerri is considering following a career in the field of learning support when her degree is completed.

'I would highly recommend to other Education students to do some of their professional experience in a special education environment as it really does provide the best learning opportunities.'

Head of Special Education Services at RP SHS Helen Cassimatis said the partnership has been greatly beneficial to special needs students at the high school.

'Students with special needs require extra support to get through school so having USQ students working in the classroom with us has given them more one-on-one attention,' Ms Cassimatis said.

'It has also been a gradual introduction to the classroom for the USQ students.

'It can be very overwhelming for student teachers when they first enter the classroom in a teaching capacity.

'By getting to know the staff and students in a less formal environment, it has eased them into the role.'

University of Southern Queensland's Springfield campus offers Bachelor of Education programs majoring in Early Childhood, Primary and Middle Schooling, Senior and Middle Schooling and Special Education.

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979