• Graduating teacher praises Charles Sturt’s welcoming and supportive environment
• He urges other students to communicate with their lecturers and fellow students to forge unforgettable experiences, life-long friendships, and supportive professional networks

A graduating Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) teaching student from regional NSW champions the University’s value of scholastic and professional support among peers.

Mr Edward Smith is originally from Tottenham NSW, he attended school at Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, and completed the Bachelor of Education (K-12) in the School of Teacher Education at Charles Sturt in Bathurst.

He will graduate at the Faculty of Arts and Education graduation ceremony in Bathurst at 2pm on Thursday 12 December.

During his undergraduate studies Mr Smith was a STRIVE student leadership program graduate, head resident at the John Oxley Village student residences on campus, a casual with the student leadership team, and helped organise the 2019 student leadership conference.

“The past four years at Charles Sturt University have been an unforgettable experience, and the friendships I have made will last me a lifetime,” Mr Smith said.

He said he chose to study at Charles Sturt because throughout high school he had heard about the way the University provided a welcoming and supportive environment.

“While at school I attended a My Day Session at the University where I was able to ask questions and look around the campus,” Mr Smith said.

“During the day, University staff and students were welcoming and supportive, and from that day I knew I wanted to study here.”

Mr Smith said the Bachelor of Education (K-12) gives students the opportunity to develop and gain skills that they can use when they enter a classroom.

“The degree allows students to work with teaching professionals who understand what is required in the field,” he said.

“During the degree you undertake a variety of practicums that help you to gain real life experience, to work ‘hands-on’ in the classroom, and work with a supervisor to enhance your teaching.”

In the future Mr Smith hopes to complete postgraduate study, but currently wants to focus on ensuring that as a beginning teacher he will give the best learning experience to his students.

“I have always wanted to teach in rural locations, and I’m excited to begin my teaching career next year at Narromine Public School in the central west where I will be working with experienced staff,” he said.

“I’m confident the skills that I have learnt will ensure that when I enter the classroom I will be prepared and ready to provide students with the best learning experience.”

Mr Smith recommends that future students don’t be afraid to speak to their lecturers at Charles Sturt because they are there to support you and want you to succeed.

“If you are unsure of anything, ask your lecturers because if they can’t help you they will point you in the right direction,” he said.

“Also get to know the people in your course, because when you know people you can support each other and bounce ideas back and forth.

“Getting to know the people in your course will allow you to also develop a supportive network you can use when you are in your respective profession.”

Charles Sturt Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Ms Jenny Roberts said Mr Smith is a testament to the University’s student-centred focus to ensure students achieve their goals.