Encouragement key ingredient for transformative teacher
A chef for two decades, and teacher’s aide for one, Evette Lonergan knew she’d bring plenty of experience to a new career as a home economics teacher.
But confidence was in short supply, as she took the dream to CQUniversity Brisbane Open Day back in 2019.
“I was working at a high school and had seen the gap in skills training for young people who wanted a vocational career – and realised I could help fill it!” she said.
“At the same time, I was mature-age, I wasn’t sure about the computer systems, I was flustered just finding a car park! I was really wondering if study was something I could even do,” she explained.
At the event, Evette met Senior Lecturer, Home Economics and Hospitality, Dr Jay Deagon – and the passionate educator offered the encouragement required.
“She heard my background, and just had so much faith in me from the start,” Evette said.
“She said, ‘Why are you doubting yourself? The skills and knowledge you’ve already got make you the best candidate for this career!’”
The Logan Village mum took on CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program, completing the pathway part-time, and earning direct entry into the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in 2021.
Last month, she graduated with distinction – and Dr Deagon was still cheering her on.
“To travel with my husband from Brisbane to Rockhampton, to have Jay in the academic procession supporting me as I crossed the stage with my course cohort, it made me appreciate that I’ve got a tribe around me!”
CQU’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is a unique Australian teaching degree that offers specialisation in Home Economics.
Evette also focused on psychology, gaining valuable insights for encouraging and challenging next generations of students.
This week she starts her graduate role at Yarrabilba State Secondary College, and the passionate teacher hopes to impart what she learned at CQU.
“I’m going to have Jay’s words in my head again, ‘fail up!’” she said.
“So many kids feel like I did, they think they can’t do it – but I’m proof if you just try, if you are prepared to risk failure, you find the opportunities you didn’t even know you had.
“If Jay hadn’t been there for me at that Open Day, I don’t think I would have continued – I want to be there for young people who need that encouragement too.”
Dr Deagon paid tribute to Evette’s persistence and passion for achieving her dream.
“My role as a lecturer is to facilitate change. When adult learners like Evette step into university life, I believe it’s an act of sheer courage and bravery,” Dr Deagon said.
“From the moment I met her and her young son at Open Day, I saw Evette just needed a little encouragement to see how amazing she already was, and just helped her embrace that failure is learning in action – a positive and constructive process!
“Career transitioners bring a wealth of experience to our classrooms, and I ensure these unique pre-service teachers understand their immense value.
“I am so proud of Evette and all our graduates – now my teaching colleagues! I am not surprised that Evette walked directly into a Home Economics teaching role – she is a gem!”
CQUniversity offers pathways for trade-qualified people and current teachers to upskill into high-demand Design and Technologies specialisations of Home Economics (food and materials) and Industrial Technology and Design (manual arts) education.
Explore CQU’s Education courses from Cert III and short courses to postgraduate, to learn more.