Teaching takes Ben Cooper in new direction

After nearly a decade of nursing, Ben Cooper decided to change careers.

He enrolled in Griffith’s Graduate Diploma of Education Secondary and now teaches at Coombabah State High School on the Gold Coast.

“I originally wanted to be a nurse because of the diverse opportunities it offered for work and travel,’’ Ben said.

Starting at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital his nursing career saw him work in hospitals throughout the United Kingdom including when he spent five months playing rugby in Scotland in 2006.

“I decided to become a teacher because education is more flexible for family and friends,'' he said.

“Many of my family members are teachers and their stories showed me that teaching was a worthwhile profession.”

Ben teaches Years 8 and 9 science and physical education and is also a rugby coach in the school’s rugby league excellence program.

“I chose to study at Griffith because I had heard the program they offered would give me the best opportunity for to become prepared for a career in education and I believe it has done so.

“The facilities and teaching were outstanding. Although it was a lot of hard work and I put in a lot of effort it was definitely worth it.

“Teaching allows me to connect to youth and pass on some experience to them. It is definitely a challenge but a worthwhile change."

Ben said he was constantly inspired by his family members already in the teaching profession and fellow staff mentors.

His advice to prospective students or those wanting a career in teaching is simple, "Get as many qualifications as you can is always a good way to start if you’re unsure of what direction you would like to follow. Education opens up so many doors just like working in the health industry did for me".

For more information on the Graduate Diploma of Education Secondary (Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast)