From the footy field to the classroom

When she’s not playing footy for the AFLW’s Western Bulldogs or working one of her two jobs, Elisabeth Georgostathis is studying to become a primary or secondary school teacher. She explains how the VU Block Model makes balancing her two career paths possible.

"Towards the end of 2019, I was lucky enough to be drafted to the Western Bulldogs AFLW team, which has started me on a great journey.

"As well as playing footy with the Bulldogs, I’m currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Education (P-12) course at Victoria University, while working two part-time jobs – one at a pizza shop and the other at childcare, teaching children sports.

"Outside of my footy career, my hope is to become a teacher in either a primary or secondary school."

Balancing work, study & a footy career

"I chose to study at VU because they are very flexible. I have found the Block Model makes it very easy, as I can fit work and my footy commitments into my schedule.

"I prefer the Block Model as it allows me to focus on one subject for four weeks and put all my effort into that, rather than trying to do multiple subjects at once."

Real-life teaching experience

"Last year I completed 33 days of placement at a primary school. It was a bit different than planned due to COVID, so most of my placement was online teaching.

"However, the days I did get to go into school were amazing. I was able to see the structure of how a classroom works and even take some lessons of my own.

"I love placements as I feel like that provides the best way of learning, as I am actually in the environment and learning new skills."

Opportunities for the future

"I think education is important for professional athletes as it gives you another option as to a career. Sometimes as an athlete you can get caught up in your own sport, but having something else ahead of you and doing something other than just the sport can provide much benefit. 

"Hopefully in a couple of years when I finish my Bachelor’s degree, I will become a full-time teacher. As AFLW players are only part-time athletes, I will have to manage and balance out the two jobs at the same time.

"I would recommend VU because it provides flexibility for students who come from different aspects of life."

Interested in a career in education?

Get started on a rewarding career as a teacher. VU is one of the few universities in Australia to offer a Bachelor of Education (P-12), which allows you to teach at any school level.

Browse our education courses now.