Corinda State High School is redefining teacher professional learning through a world-first Virtual Reality (VR) Behaviour Management Training Program, recently showcased to Queensland Department of Education Deputy Director-General, State Schools Strategy, Stacie Hansel.
During her visit to the school, Ms Hansel experienced the immersive simulations firsthand, gaining insight into how the innovative program is helping pre-service and early career teachers build confidence and capability before stepping into challenging classroom situations.
Developed in-house and filmed with Corinda's own students and staff, the immersive simulations place teachers inside authentic classroom scenarios where they can practise responses, explore different strategies and reflect on the outcomes in a safe, supportive environment.
The program was created to address one of the most significant challenges facing new teachers: behaviour management. While traditional teacher education programs provide valuable classroom placements, Corinda's VR approach allows participants to rehearse responses to common classroom situations without the pressure or risk of working with real students.
Through 360-degree simulations, teachers experience scenarios ranging from classroom entry routines and collaborative learning challenges to more complex behavioural incidents. Participants can choose from multiple response pathways and see firsthand how different strategies influence classroom outcomes.
What began as an innovative solution to bridge the gap between theory and practice has evolved into a powerful professional learning tool. Across participating cohorts, the program has demonstrated growth in teachers' awareness of behaviour management strategies, increased confidence in responding to classroom challenges and a stronger focus on proactive classroom practice.
The initiative forms part of Corinda's broader commitment to mentoring and developing future educators. Alongside the VR program, the school has established a structured mentoring framework that supports both pre-service and early career teachers through evidence-based practice, reflection and professional coaching.
In 2024 alone, Corinda supported 20 early career teachers and 45 pre-service teachers through its professional learning and mentoring programs. The addition of immersive VR training has further strengthened this support, providing a repeatable, reflective learning experience that allows teachers to build capability before entering real-world situations.
While behaviour management remains the program's primary focus, Corinda is also exploring how immersive simulation technology can be applied to other areas of teaching and learning, including parent engagement, cross-cultural communication and inclusive education practices.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as transformative and highlighting increased preparedness, reduced anxiety and greater confidence in managing classroom situations. By addressing one of the leading causes of early career teacher stress and attrition, the program is also contributing to workforce sustainability.
L-R: Deputy Director-General Stacie Hansel, Program Lead Laura Rienks, Science teacher and Program participant Lucy Eldredge, Deputy Principal Rebecca Gilroy, Director of Media Production Patrick Duggan and Executive Principal Ross Bailey.
As schools continue to explore innovative approaches to teacher development, Corinda State High School's pioneering work demonstrates how emerging technologies can transform professional learning and better prepare educators for the realities of the classroom.
The program stands as a powerful example of educational innovation in action, positioning Corinda at the forefront of reimagining teacher development for the future.