VCE Teacher Mentoring Program
Take VCE learning beyond the textbook.
This popular and free professional development is part of the Fighting Extinction Schools Teacher Mentoring Program.
You are invited to apply if you are teaching VCE VM or VCE Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Business Management.
What you’ll do
In this exclusive program, you will:
- explore real-world examples that support VCE and VCE VM teaching
- learn from Zoos Victoria experts working in conservation, animal welfare, sustainability and zoo operations
- develop curriculum ideas connected to Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Asian Elephant program
- have time to develop teaching ideas with support from zoo educators
- exchange stories and ideas with other classroom teachers
Key dates
Monday 4 May - applications open
Friday 12 June - applications close
Wednesday 8 July (required) - spend the day at Werribee Open Range Zoo learning from Zoos Victoria experts in education, elephant conservation, animal welfare, ethics, project governance and sustainability. You will also spend time chatting with other teachers and developing your ideas for using real zoo examples and free teaching resources in your curriculum.
Wednesday 29 July (optional) - touch base at a 1-hour online meet-up to share how things are going and get further support.
What’s included
You will have access to:
- expert-led professional learning
- 6-hour workshop at Werribee Open Range Zoo
- 1-hour online meet-up to get further support
- certificate of completion
Meet your mentors
You will spend time with Zoos Victoria experts such as:
- Over 50 years’ experience working in zoos, from keeper to conservation leader
- Leads Zoos Victoria’s international conservation partnerships, including the International Elephant Project (IEP), which supports the welfare and conservation of the Critically Endangered Asian elephant
- Offers firsthand insight into elephant conservation, animal welfare and international conservation partnerships
- 38 years' experience in the veterinary industry
- Spent 22 years teaching VCE Biology, VCE VM (Personal Development Skills) and VET Certificate II in Animal Care
- Member of the VCAA panel that authored the VCE Biology Study Design and a VCAA Biology Examination Assessor for eight years
- Currently a veterinary nurse and educator at Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Brings a unique dual perspective bridging curriculum, assessment and real‑world animal care
- Project Manager for the $91 million Elephant Expansion Project, including delivery of a new 21‑hectare environment for Melbourne Zoo’s elephant herd
- Experience across governance, change management and visitor experience at Zoos Victoria
- Passionate about embedding strong governance, environmental sustainability and community involvement into major projects, offering real‑world perspectives relevant to Business Management, Sustainability and VCE VM educators
Ready to take VCE learning beyond the textbook?
This popular program is exclusive and applications are competitive.