The story of Victoria Zivave’s teaching career begins long before she ever stepped into a classroom. It was in the walls of a Zimbabwean church where she first discovered what it felt like to lead a room and guide her pupils. Several decades later and an ocean away, Victoria carries that same instinct into her role as a leading teacher in Victoria, Australia. 

Taking on a key leadership role at a specialist developmental school, Victoria spends her days blending curriculum design with mentorship. Her impact stretches beyond her own classroom, shaping the students she teaches and the teachers she leads. 

Victoria Zivave

What drew you to teaching as a career?

I’ve always been involved in my church. That was the first teaching I did, and although in a different capacity, I truly loved it, and it inspired me to join the profession. 

Teaching is definitely my passion and my calling. Coming from Zimbabwe, I have a deep sense of community and value how much education can change the direction of your whole life. My husband was also a teacher when I started, so it was a bonus to have similar schedules and routines.

Why did you choose to take on a leadership role?

Career progression has always been important to me. I moved into a leadership position to be able to contribute to our education system in a new way. Whether it’s through mentoring other teachers or planning for the school, I can share my unique experience and continue to grow in my role.
I taught in mainstream schools for many years before moving to a specialist school where I am now. I take so much pride in the work we do and how our impact in the classroom has a ripple effect into the wider community.

What does a typical day as a leading teacher look like? 


 I do still teach, but a lot of my days are around curriculum and mentorship and planning with the leadership team for how things are going in the school. 

From the student side, it’s important to know how each one is feeling.  Our students have a diverse range of needs, incorporating things like movement breaks and changing activities regularly is an important part of keeping them engaged. 

What I find most fulfilling is knowing that I’m making a difference, either for the staff, the school or the students.


Victoria Zivave. Image: Supplied

How would you describe your teaching style?


My teaching style is fluid. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; each student learns and understands differently, so we need to teach differently.

When I moved to Australia, I had a bit of culture shock. I had to learn quickly how to adapt to different situations and the different needs of our students. The content doesn’t change much; 1 plus 1 always equals 2. It’s the way students learn that changes.

How have you been able to create impact in your community as a teacher?


I still remember my primary school teacher and all the teachers who have touched my life throughout. Our presence encourages our students to feel seen and valued in schools and their lives. 
When a student who usually doesn’t speak much becomes comfortable enough to express themselves with me, that’s where I see the real reward of not just our role as teachers, but also in how our students see us and how much we mean to them.

What comes next in your career? 

Maybe Principal, or I suppose the natural progression is Assistant Principal first. A role that allows me to continue empowering students and improving our education system.
As much as representation is important for our students, it’s just as important for new teachers to see that career progression is possible and that their work will be recognised and rewarded.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in teaching?
When you’re a teacher, you learn every day, and it’s an opportunity to make a big difference. No matter where you go or what you do, the impact you have on your students will always stay with you. Be organised, know your curriculum, and be a great listener. It’s a rewarding career, and there’s a good level of flexibility.

If you’re considering teaching, I say go for it! You’ll get to see and make a change in your community, and also a change in yourself as a person.


Start your teaching journey today
Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture for more information.