Future Teachers Club to the classroom: Aaron's teaching journey at UTS

Discovering teaching before university

Aaron's introduction to UTS came through the Future Teachers Club at Macquarie Fields High School, where he was first exposed to teaching as a career.

"My school had a partnership with UTS through the Future Teachers Club, so I was already familiar with the university before I started studying here."

The program gave him the opportunity to visit campus, meet academics, and gain insight into what studying teaching at university could look like.

"When it came time to choose a university, UTS felt like a natural choice."

The combined Bachelor of Science Master of Teaching in Secondary Education also appealed to Aaron because it allowed him to complete both qualifications in four years, preparing him to teach his specialist subjects while gaining professional teaching accreditation.

Learning alongside future teachers

Since starting at UTS, Aaron has enjoyed the collaborative nature of the degree and the supportive learning environment created by both staff and students.

"The tutors are approachable and always willing to help, and everyone is encouraged to contribute in class."

Working closely with classmates through discussions and group activities has also helped him develop the communication skills that are essential for teaching.

"You're constantly learning from the people around you and hearing different perspectives."

For Aaron, those experiences have created a strong sense of community throughout the course.

Building confidence through professional placements

Professional experience has been one of the most valuable parts of Aaron's degree.

His six-week placement at Ingleburn High School gave him the opportunity to move beyond theory and experience the realities of teaching in a secondary classroom.

"By the end of the placement, people had stopped treating me like a prac student and started treating me like a colleague."

Working alongside experienced teachers helped Aaron develop practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.

He also discovered that effective teaching is about much more than delivering content.

"My supervising teachers really showed me the importance of building relationships with students. When students know you care about them, it creates a much better learning environment."

The experience reinforced his confidence and confirmed that he had chosen the right profession.

Learning from experience

One of Aaron's biggest takeaways from placement was the value of learning directly from experienced teachers.

"The feedback I received was really detailed and practical. It wasn't just about what I was doing well, but also the small things I could improve."

Those lessons ranged from classroom presence and communication through to lesson delivery and organisation.

"They're things you can really only learn once you're standing in front of a class."

Aaron believes these practical experiences have been instrumental in preparing him for a future career in education.

Growing as a future teacher

Looking back, Aaron can see how much he has grown since starting his degree.

Professional placements have strengthened his confidence, while coursework and collaborative learning have helped him become a more organised and effective communicator.

Most importantly, he has developed a deeper understanding of the impact teachers can have on young people.

"You realise pretty quickly that teaching isn't just about the subject you're delivering. It's about building relationships and helping students believe in themselves."

For Aaron, that has become one of the most rewarding parts of the profession.

Why study teaching at UTS?

Aaron believes the combination of practical experience, supportive teaching staff, and strong connections with schools has made his UTS experience invaluable.

From his first introduction to UTS through the Future Teachers Club to completing professional placements in schools, every stage of the journey has helped prepare him for the classroom.

"If you're thinking about becoming a teacher, UTS gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in real schools, learn from experienced educators, and build your confidence before you graduate."

As he continues working towards becoming a qualified secondary teacher, Aaron is excited for what's ahead.

"I know I'm on the right path, and I'm looking forward to making a positive difference in students' lives."