Message from the Dean
Welcome to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) – Australia’s foremost school of education for prospective teachers, education researchers, practising educators and related professionals.
MGSE is an exciting place to be. We are at the forefront of innovation in education, working with partners in schools, early childhood settings, communities, government and beyond, constantly seeking new and improved ways to support Australia’s education system.
In 2008 we launched the innovative new Master of Teaching. The groundbreaking Master of Teaching replaces all previous undergraduate and postgraduate teacher preparation programs. It utilises a clinical teaching model which truly links academic theory with classroom practice by working in partnership with schools in the state, Catholic and independent sectors.
This ambitious new program is already proving to be an outstanding success, with the 2008 evaluations indicating that, after just one semester on the program, Master of Teaching candidates were in many instances at the same level as beginning teachers. So far, MGSE is achieving its goal of producing the ‘master teachers’ of tomorrow.
We also continue to excel in research. The Melbourne Graduate School of Education is, on every measure, the leading research school of education in Australia. Home to a number of internationally renowned experts, the impact of our research can be seen locally and internationally, in classroom practice, education policy and social institutions.
The Melbourne Education Research Institute (MERI), which oversees all MGSE research activities, fosters research of genuine international significance and strengthens the nexus between research and teaching in the MGSE. For anyone interested in learning from and joining this hub of activity, the research training available through our masters and doctoral programs offers an excellent opportunity.
Professionals interested in high level, research-led professional development will be interested in our new, revised Master of Education program, one of a range of specialist professional development programs or our coursework Doctor of Education.
Among our many successful partnerships is our work with Teach for Australia. This exciting new program aims to improve student outcomes in areas of educational disadvantage by attracting and supporting outstanding graduates from any discipline to teach in disadvantaged schools for two years.
We are designing and delivering the academic curriculum and mentor development aspects of the program, and are proud to be part of such an ambitious initiative.
Whether you come to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education to study, work, collaborate on a research project or network with our staff and students, we look forward to welcoming you warmly to a productive and collegial environment.
Professor Field Rickards
Dean, Melbourne Graduate School of Education