Kendall feels supported by RMIT in the decision to join the education unions while still studying her Master of Teaching Practice.
“After Teaching Forward, I see my professional journey less as a straight line to ‘competent teacher’ and more as an evolving garden of growth, relationships and responsibilities. I’m more aware that I’ll keep learning, replanting and pruning over time,” said Kendall.
Associate Professor Kathy Smith, Associate Dean of Partnerships, RMIT School of Education, said valuable opportunities such as these make all the difference to pre-service teachers and graduates as they develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to become committed and effective educators.
“We see it as especially important to help with the transition into the profession and to explore practical ways to support health and wellbeing in those crucial first years of teaching. This conference was a valuable opportunity to do exactly that and a wonderful chance to collaborate across schools in the College of Design and Social Context”
This reflects a considered institutional position from within RMIT, which works to support the teaching profession through pragmatic approaches to real industry issues within the workforce and voicing teacher-led perspectives.
The School of Media and Communication are long term collaborators with Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM). Professor Sean Redmond, Associate Dean of Media, Writing and Publishing, RMIT School of Media and Communication led discussions surrounding AI; exploring its ethical uses in the classroom and areas where it may encourage students to think creatively, “to show new teachers what the classroom can be imaginatively and what their future careers may hold. It was a fun and stimulating conference where agency and authenticity were a recurring theme,” said Professor Redmond.
“The focus on ethical use, transparency, and respect for students’ learning helps me see AI as something that can amplify empathy rather than replace relationships. That framing supports my growth into a teacher who can experiment with new tools while keeping human dignity and learning at the centre,” reflected Kendall.
