Historically, the teaching workforce has relied heavily on school leavers entering university straight after Year 12. Attracting people with life experience, diverse skills, and a strong commitment to educational equity and social justice is becoming essential to building a fairer, more inclusive system.
La Trobe University’s Nexus program is answering that call. Designed to support career-changers and education support workers already embedded in schools, Nexus offers a practical, employment-based pathway into teaching. Participants earn while they learn, gaining real-world classroom experience while completing their teaching qualifications. For many, it’s a turning point—making teaching a viable and purpose-driven career option, especially in the communities that need it most.
Casey McGuire’s journey into teaching began in an unexpected place: an asphalt production plant. After years of early starts and long shifts, she was ready for something more fulfilling.
“A friend half-jokingly suggested I teach science,” she recalls. “That planted a seed. I’d actually applied for a Master of Teaching years earlier, but life took me elsewhere.”
With a bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, along with an honours in molecular chemistry, Casey had the academic foundation but transitioning into teaching felt daunting. That changed when she discovered Nexus.
“Without the financial support Nexus offered, I wouldn’t have been able to quit my full-time job and reskill,” she says. “It removed a massive barrier and gave me the breathing room to focus on becoming the best teacher I can be.”
Her placement at Irymple Secondary College brought her full circle, she had once been a student there.
“The Science Faculty has been phenomenal,” she says. “They’re not just colleagues, they’re mentors. I’ve grown more than I ever expected.”
Peter Manno’s story is rooted in Mildura. A lifelong local, he spent years working as an Education Support Worker before making the leap into teaching.
“I was off to Adelaide to study Computer Science,” he says, “but working in schools made something click. I saw how much of a difference patience and encouragement could make.”
For Peter, Nexus was the turning point.
“Going to university full-time while supporting my family didn’t feel realistic,” he explains. “Nexus made it possible and exciting. I could stay connected to my community, earn while I learned, and gain real classroom experience.”
Now at Red Cliffs Secondary College, Peter is thriving.
“There’s a real focus on relationships here,” he says. “One moment that sticks with me is seeing a quiet student come out of their shell over the term. Those wins matter.”
Both Casey and Peter highlight the strength of the Nexus model: its integration of academic learning with real-world teaching.
“It bridges the gap between theory and practice,” Peter says. “I feel more prepared and confident because I’m learning in context.”
Support from La Trobe and placement schools has been crucial.
“The Nexus team genuinely wants you to succeed,” Peter adds. “Mentors check in, offer feedback, and celebrate progress. That kind of encouragement builds resilience.”
Casey agrees. “I’ve connected with a tight-knit group of fellow Nexus students,” she says. “We swap advice, lesson ideas, and support each other through the unique challenges of rural teaching.”
In regional communities like Mildura, teachers often wear many hats.
“We’re not just educators,” Peter says. “We’re role models, advocates, and a steady presence in students’ lives.”
Casey adds, “We help students see possibilities beyond their postcode. That sense of belief and encouragement can genuinely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
School leaders see the impact firsthand.
“Nexus has brought passionate, well-prepared educators into our classrooms,” says Gregor Allan, Acting Principal at Irymple Secondary College. “They understand our students and our community, and they’re making a real difference every day.”
One of the strengths of the Nexus program in Mildura is its leadership, anchored by Kym Barbary, based at La Trobe University’s Mildura Campus. Recognised as a leader within La Trobe’s School of Education Kym was a natural choice to head this sector-leading program. Prior to stepping into the Director role, Kym was responsible for the course coordination of La Trobe’s undergraduate education programs across the entire university, which represents over 1700 students.
As a proud La Trobe alum who completed both her undergraduate teaching degrees and Master of Education with the university, and with nearly two decades of classroom experience both locally and overseas, Kym brings a deep understanding of what teachers need to thrive.
“I work closely with my students to maximise their learning,” she says. “And I’m especially passionate about helping them transition into meaningful employment after graduation.”
Kym Barbary sees the evolution of Nexus as a transformative shift in teacher education. “We began with the Master of Teaching (Secondary), then expanded to include the Master of Teaching (Primary),both ideal for career changers who already hold a degree,” she explains. “But the real game-changer is the Diploma of Teacher Education (Nexus) which commenced this year. It’s a supported pathway designed specifically for education support staff and Koorie Engagement Support Officers already working in schools, helping them become accredited teachers. That’s the pathway Peter has taken and it’s unlocking opportunities for so many who never imagined teaching could be within reach.”
For Casey and Peter, the journey is just beginning. “I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students believe in themselves,” Casey says. “Especially the ones who don’t hear that message often enough.”
Peter shares a similar hope. “I’m grateful for the opportunities, the mentors, and the students who remind me why I chose this path. My goal is to contribute to a school culture where every student feels seen, heard, and capable of success.”
In communities where passionate educators can change lives, Nexus is proving that with the right support, anyone with heart and commitment can become a transformative teacher.
This article was originally published for the Heartbeat magazine.
