Geelong’s Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership centre to offer lessons for our teachers

A Geelong teacher has revealed why she wants to continue learning, as a new centre offering lessons officially opened on Thursday.

Christian College teacher Nicola Morrish wants to continue improving her own practise, nearly 24 years into the job.

Ms Morrish is a director of teaching and learning at the Waurn Ponds school, responsible for the English faculty covering years five to 12.

She is one of many teachers who will be able to take advantage of the new Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership regional centre in Geelong, officially opened on Thursday.

The Geelong centre is the first of seven region centres to be opened as part of a $33.8m investment in the academy, which offers teachers and school leaders a range of learning initiatives, programs and events dedicated to leadership and teaching excellence.

Ms Morrish said the learning on offer would allow her to continue to grow as a learner and teacher.

Teachers Monique Goldsworthy, Shannon Griffin, Nicola Morrish, and Jen French are among those who can take advantage of the new Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Picture: David Smith

“I think it’s really important to recognise the teachers need to be learners as well,” she said.

“We need to ensure we’re up to date for our young people.

“The world keeps changing, as we know from the Covid-19 pandemic, and we’ve got to be able to offer the best practise for our kids.”

Ms Morrish said as teachers were so busy “all the time”, it was vital they had the opportunity to step away from the classroom and learn from each other.

She said the academy marked the first time all three sectors – independent, Catholic, and government – would be working together in one program.

“It’s about me improving my own practise, and then hopefully being able to help my colleagues as well,” Ms Morrish said.

“It’s about asking the question, ‘what is the best way to engage our young people?’”

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said she was honoured to visit the Ryrie St site on Thursday for the opening.

“Every Victorian kid deserves the very best education, that’s why we’re backing school leaders and teachers with the support they need to deliver better learning outcomes for kids across the state,” Ms Hutchins said.

“Victoria is home to some of the most exceptional principals, school leaders and teachers in the nation.

“With the regional academy rollout, we’re ensuring they have access to world-class resources – no matter where they live.”

Other regional centres will be established in Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Moe and Shepparton.

Each regional centre will be supported by local teams and provide regional teachers with the same professional learning as the metropolitan counterpart.

For more information visit academy.vic.gov.au.

Originally published as Geelong’s Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership centre to offer lessons for our teachers