Peer Mentor Profile
Bonita Wright - Science Teacher
Studied: Bachelor of Conservation Biology and Ecology degree, La Trobe University. Mentor: 2006 - 2007.
From La Trobe University I graduated with a Bachelor of Conservation Biology and Ecology. I undertook a Diploma of Education the following year with the aim of becoming a science teacher and transferring my passion for science and the environment on to others.
I became aware of the In2science program during my first year of study, and immediately became involved during my second year. I was keen to experience education from the perspective of the educator rather than the student and as I absolutely loved my first placement, I completed three semesters with the program.
On first placement I was involved with an advanced Year 7 class. This placement allowed me to observe and run lessons within the classroom as well as organize excursions and run them, through my employment at the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary at the time. Not only did this placement grant me the opportunity to develop my teaching skills, but also to learn about how excursions and incursions are organized.
My second and third placements saw me back at my old college. Here, over the course of a school year, I became involved in year 9 science classes, learning classroom management strategies and developing new skills with interactive whiteboards and equipment I had not used since my own secondary schooling days. I was also allowed the chance to liaise with a year 11 VCE Biology class. This gave me the opportunity to see how VCE programs are coordinated in regards to VCAA guidelines and made as interactive as possible for the students involved.
Being involved in the In2science Peer Mentoring Program convinced me that teaching was what I wanted to do and inspired me to enrol in my Diploma of Education. It presented me with the opportunity to become familiar with the classroom situation in a relaxed way and learn a number of strategies that have helped me throughout my teaching career. I found it easy to complete my Professional Practice Rounds during my Diploma of Education due to my prior experience in the classroom and my In2science experience has been recognized by all employers as a positive achievement.
I am currently teaching Maths and Science at Mortlake P-12 College and enjoying every moment in the classroom due to my positive experience with the In2science program that kick started my teaching career.
Bonita