Improving mental health in the classroom

Halfway through a Bachelor of Music degree, Andrea Crompton decided to pursue a major in therapy.

"I became a registered music therapist and work with children with autism at Wantirna Heights Primary School, singing, dancing, playing musical games, helping the child to succeed in things other than music," she says.

In 2007, while working full time, Andrea decided that studying behavioural psychology would benefit her work, and enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health for Teaching Professions. The course provides professionals working in education and psychology with theoretical knowledge and practical skills concerning mental health and emotional development, together with how they apply in the classroom, and in school settings.

Andrea is an off-campus student, and the course - which is one year full-time or two years part-time - is delivered online.

"The Certificate course had an introductory weekend, where we met the lecturers and were shown how the technology works and how to access the library. This year we had a weekend where we met our fellow students. I'm a very people-oriented person, so it was nice to develop a relationship with the people I'm studying with online."

Prompted by her studies, Andrea began to think about how she might involve the family in their child's education. In collaboration with the school's occupational therapist and speech pathologist, she has now organised a pilot project which encourages parents to attend her class to enjoy music with their child.

"Most children have very positive responses to music. Sometimes I teach a child to play an instrument, but this is always a secondary goal. The children are really learning how to be part of a group, how to make friends and play together, with music as the medium.

"I love working with kids, especially in a setting where you work with their teachers and therapists to develop a special plan for each person. I think that's important and because of our small class sizes I'm able to spend time with a child and actually see results. I just love my job."

Visit Monash Course Finder for more information about the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health for Teaching Professions.