Beginning but not alone. RMIT's graduating cohort of teachers step into the profession with the sector behind them

Beginning but not alone. RMIT's graduating cohort of teachers step into the profession with the sector behind them

Successful alumni, school leaders and sector partners joined RMIT's graduating teachers at the Beginning Teacher Conference, where they sharpened their interview skills and celebrated reaching the finish line of their degrees.

As semester wraps up, the RMIT School of Education brought its graduating teachers together for an annual highlight in their calendar, The Beginning Teachers' Conference (BTC).  

This year’s conference was held at the Bundoora campus and celebrated soon-to-be teaching graduates about to step into classrooms. 

Over the course of a full day, participants were given insights, support and had their pre-service questions answered by industry professionals and expert alumni through a range of panel discussions and keynote presentations, finishing the day with individual mock interviews.  

Professor Bernadette (Bernie) Walker-Gibbs, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching in the School of Education, opened the day and said the conference is about recognising a meaningful milestone and the profession behind it. 

“In each second of the day, a teacher has the chance to transform the lives of young people,” she said.

three women stand together in front of an RMIT banner(L-R) Umarkoo Primary School Principal Leanne Tingwell, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching Professor Bernie Walker Gibbs, Umarkoo’s Assistant Principal Elizabeth Downey.

“Teaching and teachers matter. BTC is our chance to celebrate our students and acknowledge the importance of the profession they are entering.”  

The conference connected pre-service teachers, teacher educators, principals and teachers from government, Independent and Catholic schools, alongside the Victorian Institute of Teaching, the Department of Education and education unions. Many guests were RMIT alumni, and close partners of the School of Education. 

It was the cohort’s first chance to explore their skills as professional teachers, starting with a keynote from RMIT alumna and Umarkoo Primary School Principal Leanne Tingwell.  

She shared key insights for job hunting and encouraged graduates to be selective, offering honest and fair advice as someone who has been on both sides of the interview process. 

“We as principals acknowledge that you are just getting started, but we are looking for that alignment to our school values and how well you can draw on your pre-service experience. We are looking for your professional capability,” said Leanne. 

Leanne speaks in front of a large auditoriumUmarkoo Primary School Principal Leanne Tingwell’s keynote address.

The Q&A panel’s message was clear: graduates are beginning, but they’re not alone. Leanne was joined by fellow RMIT alumna Elizabeth Downey and Umarkoo’s Assistant Principal, Mark Quinlan Principal of Monbulk College, Megan Noy Executive Principal of The Y Community School, and recent RMIT graduates Isabel Martinez and Joyce Fang. Dr Thembi Mason, Senior Lecturer in Education, moderated the discussion, including an open Q&A session. 

The panel stressed that a student’s graduate year is important and challenging, encouraging graduates to lean on their support networks and look after themselves during such a transformational time. 

“You’re not on your own and do not be afraid to ask for help. Even I still say that as a principal and there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever,” said Mark. 

Practical sessions followed, covering registration and professional practice, graduate teacher opportunities across government, Independent and Catholic schools, and the support and rights information offered by the IEU and AEU, including for flexible teaching positions such as casual relief teaching. 

the panel sits at the front of the auditorium. Mike is holding the microphonePanel discussion and Q&A session. (L-R) Dr Thembi Mason, Joyce Fang, Isabel Martinez, Mark Quinlan, Megan Noy, Leanne Tingwell, Elizabeth Downey.

The day’s highlight was the individual mock interviews. Each panel included a school principal, an industry professional and an RMIT teacher to give detailed feedback on strengths and areas to sharpen.  

“We are lucky to have such great connections to our partner schools whose principals volunteer to help, and our students get honest feedback from people who work in schools every day,” Walker-Gibbs said. 

The Victorian Department of Education forecasts continued demand for teachers in the years ahead, particularly in secondary schools. Walker-Gibbs said the School of Education is working to meet that need in a respectful and prepared way. 

“Our students deserve quality preparation. Being close to so many of our partner schools lets us link theory and practice, so graduates step into the profession informed, prepared and empowered.” 

That commitment is backed by RMIT’s longstanding position in teaching research. A recent partnership led by RMIT, with Monash University, QUT and the University of Tasmania, has received a grant from the Federal Government’s Strong Beginnings (Excellence) Fund to improve the learning and mentor feedback students receive on placement.  

RMIT has also partnered with the Victorian Government on the Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow employment-based teaching degree programs, which let people work in schools while they study. 

 

 

BTC was proudly supported by sponsors Bank First, Tradewind Australia and Teachers Health. 

For anyone inspired by the Beginning Teachers Conference, explore further study in Teaching and Education here. 

Story: Jas Mc

15 October 2026

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