Teaching that Transforms
At Monash College, great teachers don't just teach – they transform.
For over 30 years, Monash College has prepared students from across the world for success at Monash University and beyond. That preparation has never been driven by systems alone: it is underpinned by the extraordinary educators who show up every day ready to inspire, challenge and support the students in their care.
This is the purpose behind Teaching that Transforms, a Monash campaign that celebrates educators whose influence reaches far beyond the classroom – fuelling ideas that shape industries, inform policy and uplift communities.
Twelve Monash College educators across Foundation Year, Diplomas, Monash English and the Monash Advanced Preparation Program feature in this campaign. Each is a recipient of the College's Teaching Excellence Awards, recognised for the profound and lasting impact they have on students. While their disciplines, backgrounds and approaches differ, they share a deep conviction: that students learn best when they feel seen, supported and genuinely inspired.
By exploring their teaching practice, one consistent thread becomes evident. These educators do not see teaching as a job – they see it as a responsibility. A responsibility to make difficult concepts accessible, to build not just knowledge, but confidence and transition readiness, and to create a sense of belonging for students navigating a new country, a new education system and a new chapter of their lives.
At Monash College, this impact is most clearly seen through the students themselves. Learners consistently describe their educators as more than teachers – as mentors and guides who shape their confidence, direction and sense of possibility.
What Monash College students say about our Teachers who Transform
Shreyash Barik | |
Diploma of Information Technology | |
Merian Fernando: “Merian helped me grow not just in knowledge, but in confidence.” | |
“Merian helped me grow not just in knowledge, but in confidence. She constantly went a step beyond what was expected of her. By taking the time to record detailed assignment instructions and clearly explaining the toughest parts of the course, she helped me focus on what truly mattered. Her extra support removed the stress from the unit, making it easier to learn, build confidence, and ultimately score well. A defining moment for me was during the preparation for a highly challenging assessment. I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the complex criteria, but Merian went above and beyond by recording a dedicated video breakdown of the task and rubric. Being able to watch her walk through the expectations step-by-step completely cleared up my confusion, refocused my approach, and gave me the precise reassurance I needed to successfully tackle the work.” |
Archilles Zyre O. Lumbao | |
Monash Advanced Preparation Program | |
Eleanor Wong: “Despite a vastly multinational cohort, she fostered an inclusive learning environment where every student felt valued and encouraged to participate” | |
“Eleanor played a vital role in further developing my skills and confidence. She consistently provided constructive and insightful feedback, helping me identify areas for improvement as I progressed through the course. Not only that, but she served as a catalyst of growth because she also recognised and strengthened my existing abilities in an encouraging way. In a sense, I could say her feedback was never harsh nor aimed to discourage. Instead, it was evaluative and aimed at helping me grow. What stood out most was her receptiveness and proactive approach to addressing any concerns or challenges that arose. Despite a vastly multinational cohort, she fostered an inclusive learning environment where every student felt valued and encouraged to participate. Even during demanding periods, she maintained a positive attitude and continued to support her students with dedication and enthusiasm. Through her guidance, I not only refined my communication skills but also developed stronger critical thinking and analytical abilities thanks to her assessments. As a result, I became more confident in expressing my ideas, both in writing and in spoken communication.” |
Natasya Alexandra | |
Diploma of Business | |
Dinusha Dharmaratna: “She has broadened my knowledge and made me even more curious regarding finance and investments in real life, not just textbook knowledge.” | |
“Dinusha has helped me improve my confidence by giving me opportunities to answer finance tutorial questions or during macroeconomics lectures freely. She is never judgmental, instead, she’s very supportive towards her students. She also trusts me to help by checking and calculating the final numerical answers during class. As Dinusha teaches Finance, she has broadened my knowledge and made me even more curious regarding finance and investments in real life, not just textbook knowledge.” |
ShangZhe Jiang | |
Diploma of Information Technology | |
Justine Stuckings: “Justine’s approach showed me what a truly supportive and professional educator can do for students, and her encouragement helped me become more confident and motivated in my studies.” | |
“Justine helped me build confidence by making the learning process clear, supportive and achievable. In MCD4770 and MCD4740, she did not only teach the content, but also helped me understand how to apply it properly in real tasks. Her explanations, feedback and encouragement made me feel more confident to ask questions, improve my work and believe that I could succeed in my pathway to Monash University. Throughout the year, I could feel that she genuinely cared about her students’ learning, confidence and personal growth, not just our assessment results. Her professionalism, patience and kindness really changed the way I see good teaching. Justine’s approach showed me what a truly supportive and professional educator can do for students, and her encouragement helped me become more confident and motivated in my studies. Her teaching helped me become more structured and reflective when solving problems. Instead of rushing to finish an answer, now I try to consider the purpose, the audience, the evidence and the real-world impact of my decisions.” |
Our inspiring educators who are profiled in Teaching that Transforms embody our Student Promise – where every student feels seen for who they are and what they are capable of, building confidence, academic ability and transition readiness that prepares them for their futures – and contribute to the excellent teaching and learning that Monash College is known for.
These stories capture what formal measures often cannot. Teaching excellence is deeply human. It’s present in the moment a challenging concept finally clicks, in the quiet encouragement that builds self-belief, and in the successful transition from college to university.
Explore their stories and celebrate the educators who continue to transform lives through education every day.