Michelle Zhang
(they/them)
Michelle is a pre-service teacher based in Sydney on Darug land. They are currently undergoing a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at Western Sydney University, with key learning areas in Design & Technology and Textiles & Design. Michelle currently mentors graphic design at Academy Xi. Their prior education include a BA of Design in Fashion & Textiles (hon) from the University of Technology Sydney, professional development in UI Design from Academy XI and Front-end web development from General Assembly. Michelle has extensive design industry experience spanning over a decade, in website design and development, UI design, graphic design, apparel design, textiles design, and bespoke and commercial rug and carpet design. Michelle is passionate about learning and playing and enjoys being able to share knowledge with, and learn from students. Michelle aims to foster equitable, enjoyable and mutually beneficial classroom learning environments where students of all abilities, cultural, social and linguistic backgrounds can thrive. Outside of design education, Michelle is a practising artist, dancer and boulderer, always in search of further inspiration.
Teaching & Learning
To learn we need to treat ourselves as a tabula rasa or blank state, by removing our own preconceptions and opening ourselves up for new knowledge and perspectives. The process of teaching is an amalgamation of learning, teaching, empathising and imparting knowledge.
Teachers much be able to connect with learners in order to teach. We need to understand their background, knowledge, interests and understanding, before we expect them to trust us to deliver knowledge to them which they can accept without disaffection or preconceptions.
In order to connect with learners, teachers must first be able to learn from them and about them, which comes from a place of understanding that learners, regardless of age are no less than us in terms of experience or knowledge. Their wisdom merely sits in another area of expertise which we must understand in order to teach.
Why teach
View the slideshow below to find out about my journey to teacher education and why I chose to become a teacher.
