After enrolling in a dance and musical theatre course at TAFE, Emilia was offered a full-time trainee position at an Early Childhood centre. She soon discovered her passion for educating children and realised she wanted to pursue further study.

As a local Novocastrian, it was the obvious choice for Emilia to study at Newcastle. She also wanted to be the first member of her family to attend university. “I wanted to prove to them that I could do it,” she said.

Throughout her studies, Emilia experienced a life changing opportunity when she enrolled in the EDUC3800 ‘Intercultural Understandings for Educators’ and travelled to Italy to visit the world-renown Reggio Emilia preschools in 2019.

“What stood out the most from this experience was the autonomy of the children and the trust the educators had in them,” Emilia said. “This was such an eye-opening experience and has really shaped my personal teaching philosophy, to focus on trusting the autonomy of children and developing honest relationships with all students.”

Emilia has undertaken many professional placements as part of her studies, which have facilitated her in visiting and observing a diverse range of early childhood centres and primary schools, all of which prepared her to be ‘work ready’.

“My placements have helped me consider my personal teaching philosophy and practices as I have been able to learn approaches, strategies, resources and teaching styles that suit me. They’ve also reaffirmed my deep passion for teaching.

“Placement is definitely the most direct way for preparing to become a teacher. The hands-on practice and guidance from other teachers, and the exposure to resources, curriculums, and an abundance of activities and teaching strategies is invaluable,” she said.

One of Emilia’s biggest achievements at university has been placing “on the Faculty of Education and Arts Commendation List in both 2019 and 2020 for my academic achievements. This was so rewarding having my academic efforts acknowledged,” she said.

Now in her final semester of her degree, Emilia is looking forward to graduating and dreams of having her own kindergarten class.

Study a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at the University of Newcastle

Emilia Flaherty `

Emilia Flaherty

Emilia was the first in her family to attend university. She now finds herself living a dream she didn't know existed.

“Placement is definitely the most direct way for preparing to become a teacher...”