17 October 2024
Captain Jamie Schofield was a long way from her home in Altona, Victoria, when she facilitated an English language-training seminar to military teachers in Hanoi, Vietnam for Indo-Pacific Endeavour.
The Army education officer delivered the week-long program to the teachers from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
“We have teachers of different experience levels working together to improve their practice. The class is incredibly enthusiastic,” Captain Schofield said.
“Being able to use my skills in language instruction for a wider purpose and serve Australia is an incredible privilege."
Captain Schofield believes building language skills, through training excellent teachers, fosters cooperation and helps build friendships and partnerships between countries, who then work together for a better region.
“What’s beautiful to see is the amount of experience in the room; everybody is mentoring each other - all the way from our brand new teachers to our more experienced teachers," she said.
“They have been working together between countries, between training academies and units. It has all come together seamlessly as they work to improve their teaching practice.”
Captain Schofield grew up in Nowra on the south coast of NSW before moving to Clifton Beach, Cairns in Far North Queensland.
She studied teaching at RMIT and the University of Melbourne before starting her career as a primary school teacher in regional Victoria and then teaching abroad internationally.
“I originally got into teaching because I wanted to help people and ensure everyone knew how to read. I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has access to quality education,” Captain Schofield said.
She joined the Australian Army in 2020 as an education officer and after completing her Specialist Service Officer Course and Regimental Officers Basic Course, she posted to Simpson Barracks in Melbourne.
Captain Schofield has worked as a training designer in Canberra at HQ Land Combat College and now is an English language instructor at the Defence International Training Centre in Melbourne.
“I still wanted to work in education when I joined the Australian Army," she said.
"I wanted a new challenge outside the classroom. Joining as an education officer challenged me in different ways and allowed me to serve and give back to the community.”
In her short career with the Army, Captain Schofield has broadened her experience travelling around the world on activities like Indo-Pacific Endeavour.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity.
Australia has a long history of working with partners such as Vietnam to ensure nations are free to act in their own interests and contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour is a practical demonstration of Australia’s commitment to invest in the region, and reinforces enduring partnerships and friendships.
