Bachelor of Education student Jess Trovato will soon realise a childhood dream to become a primary school teacher as the first person in her family to study at university.
And it’s a new career founded on 18 years’ working in the early childhood sector, all of it in the very centre – Engadine Gumnuts – that she and her two daughters attended.
“My school marks weren’t great, and my Mum always worked in early childhood, so I decided to pursue that, too,” Jess said. “I thought I would work myself up to primary school teaching by developing the skills and qualifications I could, but I got my Diploma in Early Childhood and fell in love with it. Mum and I even worked together in the Gumnuts nursery for many years and learnt so much from each other.”
It wasn’t until almost five years ago that Jess revisited that long-held ambition and enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at UNE. The recognition of prior learning and flexibility of the program was a big attraction.
I just love teaching; it brings me so much joy. The study has been so worth it; it has opened a new career for me.
“The youngest of our daughters (now aged 5 and 7) was just four months old and I originally started studying full-time. I’m not going to say it was easy, but I was able to drop and pick up subjects and do a bit extra over Christmas, eventually as a part-time student.
“A lot of the foundational skills and knowledge from the early childhood sector transfer to primary teaching, including developing relationships with the children, lesson planning and behaviour management. It really gave me a leg up. If there is anyone in early childhood education thinking about further study, I would encourage them to consider it.”
All things going to plan, Jess will graduate in August and hopes to secure a permanent position in the local community she loves, south of Sydney.
“It feels like a massive accomplishment. I struggled with maths at school and never thought I could learn maths let alone teach it. It’s been challenging studying with a young family – I have had to make a lot of sacrifices – but I have learnt a lot about myself and how to manage my time as well. It’s been a very supportive experience at UNE.”
Jess is now completing her final, six-week placement at Sydney’s smallest school – Waterfall Public, on the edge of the Royal National Park, not far from where she grew up, attended school and now lives. It has just 19 children in K-6 and hosted Jess for her first placement in 2021.
“I just love teaching; it brings me so much joy,” she said. “The study has been so worth it; it has opened a new career for me. And my Mum and Dad are extremely proud.”
