STEPS to classroom, new teacher ready to inspire
Cairns mum Jess Kelly describes her high school years as “delinquent” – but more than two decades on, a chance encounter at school drop-off has put her at the front of the classroom.
Now, the passionate educator is encouraging more people to take STEPS to a new career, with CQUniversity’s life-changing pathway program.
“At 36, I had young kids, and I had my own fitness business, I was working as a swim coach – but I had a feeling I could be doing something bigger,” she said.
Another mum at school drop-off suggested CQUniversity’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) pathway program, and after “a lot of resisting!” Jess attended a CQUniversity Open Day.
“I met (Cairns STEPS lecturer) Virginia Kruger, and had an interview to get a spot in the program – and there were lots of tears and the realisation that maybe I didn’t want to be doing what I was doing,” she said.
“The next day I quit my swim coach job and started doing STEPS full time!”
STEPS is a free, Centrelink-approved course that supports people who haven’t received an ATAR, or who have been away from study long-term, to gain direct entry into a university degree.
Students can enrol in STEPS for Term 1, Term 2 or Term 3 and the popular course can be studied across CQUniversity campuses or online. The Term 2 information session is online on Wednesday 6 June, and aspiring students can register to attend the session here.
Jess started STEPS in mid-2019. Six months later she had earned a place in CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, and graduated with distinction in 2022.
“STEPS is so supportive, it was basically a lifeline – I’d never have got a degree with a distinction if it wasn’t for STEPS, because it gave me the skills and foundations for study right from the start,” she said.
“The lecturers also encouraged me to go for scholarships, and when I was successful that was just so encouraging – I’d never have thought I could do it on my own.”
In 2023, Jess stepped up to her Master of Teaching, and now she’s completing her final pre-service teaching placement – and passionate about getting students excited to learn.
“I hated school, thought I hated learning – but doing STEPS I really found a new side to me, I think everyone could learn from that process, understanding your motivation and taking responsibility, and how you organise yourself and your thoughts and your workload,” she said.
“The Master of Teaching is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done in my life, but I’ve got through with so much support from CQU, and from my family – my kids Willow and Ned cheer me on, and help me celebrate every assignment completed, every good mark!”
Since 2023, Jess has also been employed as a CQUniConnect representative, visiting high schools to encourage students to aspire to university and careers.
“That chance to earn money and get in front of classrooms, that was invaluable and definitely told me I was going into the right career myself!” Jess laughed.
“While I’ve been studying, my daughter has started high school, and our whole family has seen what it takes to achieve goals – the determination and drive you need,” Jess said.
STEPS can be completed over one term, or across up to six terms, and 2024 intakes commence Wednesday 10 July, and Wednesday 6 November.
For more information and to register for an information session, visit CQU’s STEPS website.
