Student Profile

Marc Lambert

High school teacher and OUA unit coordinator/tutor
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education)

I began my study at Curtin in their former Joondalup campus as it was very close to my house and offered what I was initially interested in – a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Information Technology and Electronic Commerce. During my study, I had a change of heart and decided to transfer to a Bachelor of Education at the Bentley campus, as the idea of being a teacher became quite appealing.

I found the School of Education staff to be very helpful and always willing to talk. The relationships I formed with them, and fellow students, have continued to this day. The staff are one of the key factors that made my degree such an enjoyable experience. I formed great relationships with them, and was always encouraged by their willingness to reach compromises in order to help me across the line. They show a genuine interest in your study, your career goals, and your future. I am so very proud to actually be called a member of staff at Curtin University and to be able to work alongside people who I hold in such high regard. I also loved studying at the same location as the best kebabs in Perth.

The highlight of my degree was one of several experiences. The first being my very first prac placement – a frightening experience which in just minutes turned into an extremely enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience. Secondly, achieving 100% for my ATP was very encouraging. Thirdly, my graduation, where I received my degree – the official date of graduation is the same day of my birthday. I also enjoyed going through the degree together with a very close bunch of students – there was always a familiar face in every class.

In 2007 I received a Limited Authority to Teach at Balga Senior High School through negotiation with the schools deputy principal, principal, WACOT and DET in the semester prior to my graduation, where I taught Mathematics and Computing full time while also completing my Bachelor of Education. Upon completion of my degree, I became a Provisionally Registered (WACOT) Teacher and continued working full time at Balga SHS in a fixed term placement throughout 2008.

I declined a renewed fixed term contract for 2009 in favour of overseas travel. In 2010 I returned to Perth and accepted a teaching position at Prendiville Catholic College, working in their Business and Computing department. I also moved from a Provisionally Registered to Fully Registered WACOT member. In conjunction with this, I accepted a tutor role at Curtin/Open Universities Australia (OUA) on a part-time basis.

The role at OUA rapidly progressed into a full time Coordinator position, where I found the students and staff to be extremely engaging and enjoyable to interact with. I have chosen to compliment this role with further study, recently enrolling in the Master of Education program which I hope to complete within the next two years.