The School of Education at La Trobe University stands as a beacon for aspiring educators and researchers in Australia, offering a dynamic environment where innovation meets real-world impact. Nestled within one of the nation's top universities, this school is redefining teacher preparation and educational research, particularly through evidence-based practices that address equity and inclusion. With campuses across Victoria, including the vibrant Bundoora hub in Melbourne, professionals here contribute to programs that graduate highly employable teachers, backed by an impressive 88.2% employer satisfaction rate—the second highest in Victoria according to the 2025 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching survey.
Whether you're a seasoned academic eyeing leadership roles or an early-career lecturer passionate about pedagogy, working at La Trobe University School of Education provides access to cutting-edge research, collaborative teams, and opportunities to shape the future of education. The school's commitment to transforming the profession is evident in initiatives like the award-winning NEXUS program, which tackles teacher shortages in regional and hard-to-staff schools by blending employment-based training with rigorous academics.
Leadership Driving Educational Innovation
At the helm is Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, Impact and Innovation and Dean of the School. With nearly 30 years in education policy and practice, she has elevated La Trobe's offerings, including expanding NEXUS—a Commonwealth-funded program now reaching Victoria and New South Wales. Her vision emphasizes partnerships that elevate teaching as a profession.
Supporting her are powerhouse associate deans: Associate Professor Melissa Barnes oversees learning and teaching, drawing from international experience in TESOL and policy impacts; Professor Therese Keane leads research and industry engagement, championing STEM equity and digital literacies; Professor Miriam Tanti manages partnerships as NEXUS Executive Director; and Professor Bernadette Walker-Gibbs serves as Deputy Dean, focusing on rural education and quality assurance. This leadership fosters a culture of excellence, where staff collaborate on projects like the SOLAR Lab's literacy interventions.
Career Pathways in Academic and Professional Roles
Careers span teaching, research, and leadership. Entry-level roles include Lecturers (Level B), progressing to Senior Lecturers (Level C), Associate Professors (Level D), and Professors (Level E). Professional staff support as educational designers, engagement officers, and administrative roles. With around 79 academics plus adjuncts and emeriti like Professor Susan Grieshaber, the school offers diverse entry points.
- Lecturer: Deliver courses in initial teacher education, supervise placements.
- Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor: Lead research in social equity or learning sciences, mentor PhD students.
- Professor of Practice: Recent teaching-focused roles bridge industry and academia, like the current fixed-term position emphasizing impact.
Recent hires reflect growth in inclusive education and STEM, with opportunities for doctoral teaching assistants in related faculties.
Competitive Salaries and Comprehensive Benefits
La Trobe aligns with national academic scales under the Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026. Lecturers earn approximately $113,000 base plus 17% superannuation (total ~$132,000), rising to $148,000-$161,000 for Associate Professors and $162,000+ for Professors. Professional roles like Educational Designers range $100,000-$118,000.
Beyond pay, benefits shine: 17% UniSuper contributions, salary packaging (e.g., vehicles, childcare), flexible hybrid work, generous leave (recreation, parental, long service), employee assistance programs, Medibank health discounts, and staff study discounts. Annual performance reviews support career progression, with leadership training and team development programs.
The Enterprise Agreement details these perks, ensuring competitive packages amid Australia's higher ed landscape.
Research Opportunities Transforming Education
Research thrives in three pillars: Impactful Pedagogies (led by Prof Keane, focusing digital tech and First Nations knowledges), Learning Sciences (Assoc Prof Tanya Serry on evidence-based reading), and Social Equity (Dr Babak Dadvand on diverse learners). Projects like SelfSense—a classroom self-regulation curriculum—reduced disruptions by up to 65% in pilots.
Staff publish in top journals (Teaching and Teacher Education, Higher Education), secure grants, and partner with schools/governments. Early-career researchers access mentorship, with adjuncts like Dr Jennifer Buckingham enhancing networks.
Teaching Excellence and Program Innovation
Programs blend theory and practice: Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary), Master of Teaching (Primary), and specialized degrees like Early Childhood or Outdoor Education. The NEXUS program, executive-directed by Prof Tanti, employs trainees in needy schools while studying—innovative for shortages.
Lecturers teach diverse cohorts, supervise placements, and innovate with AI in STEM. High graduate outcomes (86.5% employment) reflect quality.
Work-Life Balance and Supportive Culture
Reviews praise flexibility (Glassdoor 3.6/5 overall), supportive colleagues, and equity focus. 88% approve work-life balance per SEEK. Hybrid options, childcare, breastfeeding rooms aid families. Challenges like workloads exist, but PD mitigates burnout.
Testimonials highlight "friendly, well-natured" teams and social justice ethos. School culture emphasizes inclusion, with events fostering community.
Professional Development and Growth
Robust PD includes training, leadership programs, conferences. Annual reviews chart paths to promotion. Research seed grants, industry links (Microsoft, Telstra) boost profiles.
- Staff development workshops
- Team effectiveness training
- PhD supervision incentives
Pathways to Join the Team
Monitor La Trobe's careers portal for Level B-E roles. Requirements: PhD for academics, teaching experience, research track record. Tailor applications to evidence-based teaching, equity focus. Networking via conferences aids.
Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash
Future Outlook: A Thriving Hub for Educators
With teacher shortages persisting, NEXUS expansion and research in AI/digital equity position the school for growth. Join to influence Australia's education future amid national priorities.
