About Professional Experience

La Trobe University PSTs must successfully complete supervised teaching in a series of placements throughout the degree. The total number of placement days varies depending on the degree:

  • Bachelor of Education (Primary; Secondary): 80 days
  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary): 85 days
  • Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary): 60 days
  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education: 50 days (PSTs enter this course with advanced standing and are credited with 34 days of professional experience).

The placement model

Placements increase in length and complexity as the PST advances through the degree and are classified according to the PST’s level of experience.

  • Novice placement: PSTs are in their earliest stage of study and have no or limited experience in a placement environment.
  • Consolidating placement: PSTs are in the middle stage of their study. They have previously been on placement and developed some skills but are not yet proficient.
  • Graduating placement: This is the PST’s final placement. To successfully complete the placement, the PST must meet the graduate standards of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, and the PST should be ready to teach independently and professionally at the end of the placement.

Whenever possible, the School of Education uses a cohort placement model, in which PSTs are placed in schools or services in pairs or small groups during their novice and consolidating placements. This gives PSTs greater confidence, increased support, and more opportunities for peer learning. It also creates a cohort of supervising teachers who can share mentoring duties and provide each other support as they are all mentoring PSTs at the same time.

PLACEMENT QUERIES

PSTs should contact the Placement Partnering and Operations team using the Work-Based Learning Placement Student Enquiry Form.

Supervising teachers and SPCs should contact Placement Partnering and Operations via email at education.placements@latrobe.edu.au or by telephone on (03) 9479 5904.