Future Teachers Club Empowers Next Generation of Educators

Strategic Insights -

Future Teachers Club members from south-western Sydney and Muswellbrook high schools, along with their counterparts from Armidale Secondary College, gathered at the University of New England (UNE) and Armidale Secondary College for the 2025 STEM and Future Teachers Club event. The two-day event aimed to equip future educators with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the classroom. On the first day, Future Teachers worked closely with academics at UNE to devise exciting lessons for local primary school students in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). They also learned about life on campus, how to communicate difficult science concepts to primary children, and how to plan and deliver the resulting lessons. On the second day, the Future Teachers delivered their STEM lessons to visiting local primary school students at Armidale Secondary College.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 STEM and Future Teachers Club event was attended by 45 Future Teachers Club members from south-western Sydney and Muswellbrook high schools, and 25 Future Teachers from Armidale Secondary College.
  • The event aimed to equip future educators with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the classroom, particularly in STEM subjects.
  • Future Teachers worked closely with academics at the University of New England to devise exciting lessons for local primary school students, and learned about life on campus, communication skills, and lesson planning.
  • The event provided a hands-on experience for the Future Teachers, allowing them to fill the role of a teacher for a day with primary school students.
  • This year's event saw a significant increase in participation, with 65 Future Teacher students attending from across New South Wales.
  • The event was organized by the ASC Professional Experience Hub Coordinator Tanya Williams, who implemented the program in 2023 to provide New England High School students with opportunities to build skills in teaching, organisation, and communication.
  • Future Teachers demonstrating a passion for education and a firm plan to pursue university study, even some expressing a desire to start university immediately.
  • The event also explored options beyond university, such as gap years, to provide students with a broader range of choices.

Statistics:

  • 70 students (45 from south-western Sydney and Muswellbrook high schools, and 25 from Armidale Secondary College) attended the event.
  • 400 primary school students were involved in the hands-on STEM activities led by the Future Teachers.
  • 65 Future Teacher students attended from across New South Wales.
  • 202 students in total (70 attendees and 132 primary school students) participated in the STEM-focused learning activities.

Sources:

  • Armidale Express
  • University of New England (UNE)
  • Tanya Williams, ASC Professional Experience Hub Coordinator