After years of teaching woodworking and practical trades in the TAFE system, Robert knew it was time for something different.
“I just felt it in my gut that I needed a change,” he explains. “TAFE wasn't aligning with the kind of impact I wanted to make anymore.”
Robert recently accepted a role at Emerson School, a specialist school that supports students with mild intellectual disabilities across Years 1 to 12. While he hasn’t started just yet, the school’s vision already resonates deeply with him.
“Emerson focuses on more than just trades. They offer subjects like woodwork, automotive, horticulture, music and sport. But what really stood out to me is their focus on life skills. That’s what matters most. Life doesn’t seem to be getting easier for young people. It’s so important they leave school with the skills and confidence to take on the world.”
Robert brings with him a wealth of industry experience, including cabinet making, furniture restoration, home renovation, guitar building, and joinery. But more than that, he brings a strong belief in using practical subjects as a way to build confidence and character in young adults.
As Robert puts it, “A former TAFE manager once said, ‘We have the opportunity to make the student a better person when they leave.’ That really stuck with me. Students grow, they mature, and they learn to value education in ways they might not have expected.”
Like many teachers in the VET sector, Robert felt growing frustration with the system.
“I was concerned about the lack of support for students with additional needs,” he says. “And I was starting to feel burnt out. The environment wasn’t right for me anymore. I needed something new.”
That’s when he found Prospero Teaching.
Robert connected with Prospero while searching online for teaching roles. From his very first conversation with consultant Laura O’Sullivan, things started falling into place.
“I told her exactly what I wanted. I was clear I needed to get out of TAFE and into a secondary school role. She got it straight away.”
Laura worked closely with Robert, providing job alerts, interview support, and guidance throughout the process.
“She was professional, approachable, and genuinely interested in my background. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity at Emerson without her hard work and intuition.”
While Robert hasn’t yet started at Emerson, he’s excited for what lies ahead. He knows he’ll be a great fit for the school’s hands-on, student-focused approach.
And he has a message for other TAFE or VET educators who might be considering a similar move.
“I’m not confident that TAFE will still exist in 10 years. Even with new agreements in place, teachers are being pushed harder. If you’re thinking about moving into schools, now’s the time. You have valuable skills, and there are schools out there who need exactly what you bring.”
The shift from TAFE to secondary isn’t just about changing jobs. For Robert, it’s about returning to the heart of teaching.
Helping young people discover their strengths, build life skills, and find joy in their future vocation.
If you're a TAFE or VET teacher looking for your next step, Prospero Teaching is here to support you—just like we did with Robert.