Discovering the Faculty of Education at University of Canberra

The Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra plays a pivotal role in shaping future educators and leaders in the field. Established as one of the university's founding faculties, it emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through initial teacher education (ITE), postgraduate programs, and specialized offerings like Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). With around 1,200 full-time equivalent students, including 900 in bachelor and master ITE programs, the faculty integrates significant school-based clinical practice, international placements, and innovative research. This environment fosters educators equipped for diverse settings, from early learning centers to secondary schools in Australia and abroad.

Located in the heart of Australia's capital, the faculty benefits from strong ties to government, schools, and industry partners. Its Affiliated Schools Program, a unique collaboration with the ACT Government, positions university-affiliated schools as hubs for research, professional development, and teacher training. This initiative aligns with the university's Distinctive by Design Strategic Plan and has earned accolades like the Shaping Australia's Future Builder Award. For those considering a career here, the faculty offers a dynamic blend of teaching, research, and community impact.

Academic Structure and Key Schools

The Faculty of Education is organized into two primary schools: the School of Teacher Education and the School of Professional Education. The School of Teacher Education, led by Associate Professor Kate Highfield, focuses on preparing pre-service teachers for early childhood, primary, and secondary levels. Courses meet national accreditation standards from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and are recognized nationwide via the ACT Teacher Quality Institute.

The School of Professional Education, under Interim Executive Dean and Head Dr Janet Smith, caters to postgraduate students, including working professionals pursuing advanced qualifications in educational leadership, TESOL, and community education. This school hosts experts in community learning, such as Professor Barbara Pamphilon, who directs the Family Farm Teams Program, and Dr Sandra Heaney-Mustafa, a senior lecturer in community education. These areas highlight the faculty's commitment to community studies, bridging formal education with societal development in rural, regional, and urban contexts.

Research centers like the Centre for Advanced Studies in Education (CASE), STEM Education Research Centre (SERC), and Centre for Sustainable Communities (CSC) further enrich the structure, driving projects on rural education, sustainability, and innovative pedagogies.

Academic Career Opportunities

Academic roles at the Faculty of Education are highly sought after, offering the chance to influence teacher training and educational research. Current openings include multiple Lecturer in Teacher Education positions (University of Canberra Level B), which are full-time continuing roles with salaries ranging from $116,403 to $137,865 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. These positions involve shaping future educators through course delivery, curriculum development, and supervision of clinical placements.

Lecturers engage in the MAST Model (Mentor, Academic, School Teacher), a innovative framework that embeds university academics in partner schools for collaborative teaching and research. Qualifications typically include a doctoral degree, teaching experience, AITSL accreditation, and a strong research track record. For community-focused roles, expertise in areas like rural education or sustainable communities is advantageous, aligning with leaders like Professor Philip Roberts in the Rural Education and Communities group.

Early-career academics benefit from mentorship and grant opportunities; the faculty secured over $21 million in research funding from 2014-2018, including Australian Research Council (ARC) grants for STEM and Indigenous education. Visit the UC Talent careers portal to apply before deadlines like 24 May 2026.

Professional Staff Roles and Support Positions

Beyond academics, professional staff roles are essential for faculty operations and student success. Recent listings include Senior Coordinator for Student Retention and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework (UC Level 7, $103,259-$111,865 +17% super), fixed-term until 2026-2027. These positions involve developing initiatives to enhance student engagement and support services, often with flexible hybrid arrangements.

Other opportunities span faculty management, like the Faculty Manager role under Peter Carling, and specialized coordinators for professional learning and microcredentialing, led by Matthew Brown. These roles require skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis, with a focus on equity and inclusion. Professional staff contribute to the Affiliated Schools Program, coordinating partnerships that deliver real-world teacher training.

The university supports career changers through internal mobility, allowing progression from coordinator to leadership positions. For more details, explore the Work at UC page, which outlines relocation allowances and employee experience coordinators for new hires.

Research and Innovation in Education

Research is a cornerstone of working at the faculty, with centers driving impactful projects. The SERC leads international STEM initiatives, while CSC addresses sustainable communities through education. CASE tackles complex challenges in learning environments, and the Rural Education group empowers regional schools.

Staff engage in higher degrees by research supervision and grants, such as recent $3.5 million for Papua New Guinea food systems amid climate change. Outputs include publications, policy influence, and community outreach, like the Australian National Museum of Education. Researchers like Professor Deborah Pino-Pasternak (Early Childhood and Community) exemplify enterprise-focused work.

Innovation shines in stackable microcredentials for teacher development and the new School-based Teacher Education Program (STEP), enabling mid-career professionals to transition into teaching via employment-based pathways. Learn more via the faculty's official site.

Work Culture and Employee Benefits

University of Canberra fosters an inclusive, values-driven culture, with the Faculty of Education reflecting this through collaborative teams and a sense of belonging. Staff testimonials praise supportive colleagues, hybrid work options, and Canberra's lifestyle—blending urban amenities with natural surroundings.

Benefits include 17% superannuation, generous leave, professional development funding, and relocation support for academics (minimum three-year contracts). Diversity is central, with initiatives for Indigenous staff and international partnerships in Vietnam and China. Work-life balance rates 3.8/5 on Glassdoor, with hybrid flexibility aiding retention—many staff stay 14-20 years.

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs
• Internal career progression opportunities
• Equity and accessibility focus
• Team-building and values workshops

Staff Experiences and Reviews

Employee feedback highlights a welcoming atmosphere, with 3.7-3.8 overall ratings. Pros include friendly colleagues, meaningful work impacting students, and professional growth; cons note occasional high workloads and management variability. Education staff appreciate connecting with diverse learners and contributing to national priorities like teacher shortages.

Sessional tutors value the educational workplace, though some seek better pay equity. Long-term academics enjoy research freedom and partnerships, such as UC's role in ACT's Future of Education Strategy. Reviews emphasize an orderly environment ideal for international staff, with 94% graduate employment underscoring program quality.

Professional Development and Career Progression

UC invests in staff growth via workshops, conferences, and the Learning and Teaching Academy. Faculty members access grants for upskilling, mentorship in the MAST Model, and leadership pathways—from lecturer to associate dean.

Microcredentialing programs allow staff to pioneer flexible PD, while international collaborations offer exchanges. Career changers benefit from recognition of prior learning, supporting transitions into academia. The university's 2024-25 Mission-Based Compact emphasizes staff nurturing for research excellence. See the compact details for strategic priorities.

• Annual performance reviews with progression plans
• Funding for PhD completion or certifications
• Leadership training for deans and heads
• Peer mentoring networks

Community Engagement and Global Impact

The faculty's community focus shines through programs like Wiradjuri Early Learning Centre and Pacific education grants. Staff lead outreach in rural areas, fostering aspirations in underrepresented groups. Partnerships extend to Southeast Asia, enhancing TESOL and leadership training.

Impacts include improved health and income via education, as seen in 50 years of community transformation. Working here means contributing to equity, with actionable insights from affiliated schools benefiting 100+ sites.

Photo by İsmail Efe Top on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Getting Started

With teacher shortages and digital shifts, demand for UC Education staff grows. STEP addresses mid-career entry, while AI and sustainability research expands roles. Prospective applicants should tailor CVs to AITSL standards, highlight research, and network via open days.

Monitor UC Talent for updates, prepare for panel interviews emphasizing clinical experience, and leverage Canberra's 25% international population for diverse perspectives. Joining means passion meeting purpose in Australia's education capital.