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Monique’s journey into education support is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After 12 years out of the workforce, she embraced a new career path that aligned with her family priorities and passion for helping others. Through Prace’s supportive Education Support course, she gained the skills and confidence to thrive in her role, now working in a high school inclusion team. Monique’s inspiring story highlights the rewards of pursuing meaningful work and the power of persistence in achieving career goals.
In September 2022, Monique took a leap of faith that changed the course of her working life. After being out of the workforce for 12 years to focus on raising her daughter, she found herself at a crossroads. Her daughter’s offhand comment—“I wish you were a teacher’s aide”—prompted Monique to explore her options.
Within ten days of that conversation, Monique had not only found the right course at Prace, thanks to a friend who recommended the organisation, but was also attending her first class. Monique’s decision to pursue education support was driven by her desire to balance her role as a mother with work that allowed her to make a difference. She didn’t want the demands of a full-time, 9-to-5 schedule but was eager to re-enter the workforce in a way that aligned with her priorities.
Returning to study after two decades was daunting for Monique, who holds a background as an industrial chemist. But the welcoming environment at Prace eased her nerves. “The schooling at Prace was amazing. I did four years of chemistry, so it was a long time since I’ve been to Uni… Edita, our teacher, made it very comfortable, very easy and achievable.” After the first few classes, Monique thought, “Okay, I can do this.”
Monique’s placement at a local primary school confirmed her decision to switch careers. Working with students, particularly those with autism or ADHD, brought her immense satisfaction. “Helping them with literacy and maths and seeing their progress was so rewarding,” she said.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. After completing the course, she secured a role at a primary school and later transitioned to a high school inclusion team, where she now supports students in various capacities. She loves the fact that “every day is different” and finds extra satisfaction in working with different students, up to eight students in a day at her secondary school.
Monique recently returned to Prace as an industry guest speaker, where she inspired current students by sharing her experiences. She highlighted the rewards and challenges of her role, including the importance of understanding strategies for working with students with additional needs. Drawing from her experiences, she spoke about the importance of building connections with students and the practical skills required in education support. She also emphasised the value of tools like Auslan to foster communication and inclusion in the classroom.
In addition to providing practical tips on job hunting and meeting employer expectations, Monique shared her belief in the importance of preparation and adaptability. Her story offered valuable insights to students just beginning their journey into education support.
Monique plans to continue working in education support while gaining the experience needed to pursue her next goal: becoming a trainer in the field. This next step will allow her to train and mentor others entering the field, using her firsthand knowledge and experience to help them succeed.
Her journey is a testament to how embracing change and pursuing new opportunities can lead to fulfilling work. By combining her background, determination, and the skills gained through Prace, Monique has not only found her calling but is also inspiring others to follow their dreams.
Her advice to others considering Education Support at Prace
“Do it! I belong to the support group on Facebook and whenever someone in Victoria asks where would I go to study education support? I always type in Prace… I’m glad that I did it. I’m loving it.”
Interested in following Monique’s footsteps? Discover more about Prace’s Education Support courses and how they can help you achieve your career goals here.
