Growing up, Cindy Huynh always thought she’d end up as a doctor or a nurse, but when the opportunity to study teaching came around, she knew it was her true calling. Since her early days as a student, she’s been passionate about learning and understands that having the right teacher can change the way you see the world.
From high school to her undergraduate degree, she tutored primary and secondary students in maths and science. She feels most at home in the classroom and finds it’s the perfect place to make a lasting impact in the community. Over the past two years of her teaching degree, she’s been able to build on her existing skills and incorporate new methods into her teaching.
Cindy is completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Internship). Her course is a Victorian employment-based teaching degree. This is one of many accelerated programs for aspiring teachers, giving them paid practical experience in schools while they study.
In full circle style, her placement is at the same high school she attended. Over 10 years later, she’s changing lives in the same way her teachers shaped hers. When she’s not volunteering as a community martial arts instructor, Cindy teaches Year 8 and 9 maths and science. Her dream is to give her students the same outstanding classroom experience she had years ago.
What drew you to teaching as a career?
I initially wanted to go into medicine. I’ve always been great at STEM subjects, but I knew I wanted to work in a school environment. There’s just something so special about how we connect with the students. It’s interesting because I feel like teaching and medicine have a similar process. They’re both essentially about problem-solving. In medicine, we look at the symptoms, and in teaching, we consider a student’s needs and find the most appropriate approach to reach a desired outcome.
I had really great experiences as a student, so now, when I see students find a sense of belonging in class or when they challenge themselves and master the material, that journey is so fulfilling.
Why did you choose an employment-based teaching degree?
After my undergrad, I knew I didn’t want to do another four-year degree. With my employment-based Master’s degree, I’m getting paid to teach while I study, and I’m in the classroom sooner. All while building a solid foundation for once I’ve graduated.
How do you balance teaching while studying?
It’s challenging but rewarding. There are so many moments of overlap between what we’re studying and what we’re teaching. It can be a steep learning curve, but I’ve been tutoring for years, so it’s not completely new to me.
We learn how to teach effectively and, at the same time, how the broader education system works behind the scenes. You can learn the theory of how to teach, but you don’t fully see it until you’re in the classroom. Finding balance can involve trial and error.
Outside of teaching, I volunteer as a youth group leader and a martial arts instructor. I’ve learnt to bring those parts of the community into the classroom. Engaging with students on a human level, we share our love for anime or TV shows, and I use pop culture to make lessons a little more fun.
What support have you received along the way?
It’s been wonderful to teach at the same high school that I went to. A lot of the same teachers are still here. It’s a little weird calling them by their first names when I used to call them Miss and Sir, but it’s such a privilege to learn from their experience. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, there’s a shared understanding that we’re in this together. I’ve had plenty of mentorship and guidance along the way, including through my employment-based program.
What comes next in your career?
It’s always about the students, finding what they need and the best way to support them. I think that’s what’ll guide what happens next. There are plenty of different roles in schools, so it’s about finding the best fit for me to apply what I know for my students.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in teaching?
Teaching is unique, engaging, and there’s not much that can compare to the joy it can bring.
For those who are thinking about teaching or on the journey to becoming a teacher, I would encourage you to understand your teaching style and stay open to ongoing learning. It can be challenging, but the payoff is wonderful. Be patient with yourself as you develop your skills. Keep a focus on offering holistic support for the students. It’s all a collaboration between us as teachers, the school and families.
Start your teaching journey today
Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture for more information.
