From industry to educator
Meet Cathy
- Cathy works for Skills SA, delivering professional development for early career VET educators
- She previously worked as a dental therapist before making the move into VET and university teaching
- For more than 30 years Cathy has taught and supported adult learners
“I wanted to become a VET educator, not because I was sick of my job, but because I loved my job and wanted to contribute to the next generation in the dental profession”
“I originally joined the School of Dental Therapy, which was a part of the SA government’s Department of Health – there was no requirement for me to have any teaching quals, as the Diploma in Dental Therapy was a university qualification. However, I went back to uni and did my Bachelor of Teaching (Adult Education). It was there I met a lot of VET educators who were doing the same thing, and from this network I was invited to start teaching TAFE students at the School of Dental Studies at Gilles Plains TAFE.”
“Being able to share my experiences, not just as an experienced practitioner, but my early ‘stumbles’ as a student and early career graduate. I think that sharing practice is critical in VET education as it shows students that their learning journey is just beginning when they complete their first qualification. The importance of lifelong learning has always been at the centre of my teaching practice. In fact, I am still learning myself.”
“Find a good mentor – even outside of your discipline – to be a guide and sounding board as you commence your VET educator career. Take advantage of professional development opportunities that come your way and remember – even if you think you may not know enough, you always know more than your students.”