How government program aims to bolster teacher numbers in Geelong schools

For 10 years, Dave Newett was an electrician. Now, he teaches science at a Geelong school, as the government tries to bolster teacher numbers in the region.

Science teacher Dave Newett is one of three new teachers at Grovedale College who are in an employment-based teaching program to bolster Geelong’s teachers. Picture: Brad Fleet

A former AFL development coach and electrician has joined the ranks of Grovedale College, as the state government looks to bolster Geelong’s teacher numbers.

Dave Newett is one of three new teachers at the Wingarra Drive school who are participating in a state government employment-based teaching program.

The program is aimed at boosting the state’s teaching workforce and providing more classroom support by putting hundreds more teachers in classrooms.

Mr Newett completed a Masters of applied learning and teaching at Deakin University in 2021 after seeing an advertisement looking for people holding a Bachelor degree to undergo a teaching qualification.

Having majored in biology, Mr Newett is now teaching science at the school.

Dave Newett said he wouldn’t have considered going into teaching without the program being available. Picture: Brad Fleet

He said the government’s teaching program allowed him to get experience teaching in an actual classroom, not only limited to placements.

“It gave me real life experience while I was studying … it fast-tracked my learning,” he said.

“Without the program I wouldn’t have thought about going in to teaching.”

Mr Newett said his previous experience as a development coach with the North Melbourne and Richmond AFL clubs, as well as his 10 years’ experience as an electrician, helped him in his current role.

“Being an electrician, it really leads into science,” he said.

“And with coaching, I got skills that lead into the working with students (aspect).

“I enjoy … working the students and helping them learn.

“Particularly with science, there’s a broad spectrum of content that is really relevant to their lives and they can actually apply it in their every day activities.”

Mr Newett said the program and his subsequent role with Grovedale College meant he had built trust with students, who felt comfortable to share their hopes for the future and career aspirations with him.

He said he would definitely recommend the government program to anyone with a Bachelor’s degree looking for something different.

“I think there’s a lot of people out there with degrees who could do this program,” he said.

“We know there’s a shortage of teachers – that’s why this program exists – so if we got more people … that would be great.”

The other two teachers who have joined Mr Newett at Grovedale College include biology, humanities and VCE vocational major teacher Magen Ramage, and environmental science and VCE vocational major teacher Oscar Radali.

Grovedale College principal Janet Matthews said the program was beneficial to her school.

“This program has been a great boost to the school – it’s always exciting to work with teachers who are talented, enthusiastic career changers,” Ms Matthews said.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the government was doing everything it could to get more teachers in our classrooms.

Originally published as How government program aims to bolster teacher numbers in Geelong schools