Just months into her teaching career, Casey Grammar School’s Ella Clifton has achieved what many educators aspire to over a lifetime – international recognition.
The graduate teacher has been invited to travel to Hong Kong and Hangzhou to present a lesson she designed as part of a cross-cultural education project led by Monash University, putting her at the forefront of a global conversation about curriculum, culture and classroom innovation.
The invitation is part of the Australia-China Community Engaged Pedagogy (ACCEPT) initiative, a research collaboration between Monash University and the Museum of Chinese Australian History.
Developed and trialled with her Year 10 Global Economics class, Ella’s lesson explores Chinese immigration during the gold rush and links historical labour practices to contemporary global economics.
“This is an incredible opportunity and one I never imagined would come so early in my teaching journey,” Ella said.
“Being invited to be part of an international exchange, sharing my work with students overseas, and collaborating with educators in Hong Kong and Hangzhou is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.”
In addition to delivering her lesson to students overseas, Ella will visit universities in both cities, observe local teaching methods and contribute to ongoing international dialogue about cross-curricular priorities in education.
The exchange will go ahead early next year, pending grant approval for the program.
Casey Grammar School principal Fiona Williams said the recognition is richly deserved.
“To be invited to teach and present overseas so early in her career speaks volumes about Ella’s creativity, professionalism and ability to deeply engage students,” she said.
“She is an exceptional educator and a wonderful representative of Casey Grammar School.”
Alongside this international honour, Ella has had her work published in COMPAK, the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association’s journal, and been invited to present at Comview, VCTA’s annual conference.
Her published unit challenges senior students to predict Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate decisions and critically assess economic trends using real-world data.
“Being recognised both in Australia and internationally has been surreal,” Ella said.
“But at the heart of it all is my classroom and my students. Every opportunity I’ve had this year has made me a stronger teacher, and I’m so grateful to be part of a school community that values learning, innovation and connection.”
The lesson that led to her overseas invitation incorporated rare artefacts from the gold rush era and encouraged students to consider the lasting impact of immigration, labour rights and globalisation.
It was observed by Monash researchers who praised the lesson’s depth and student engagement.
“My goal is always to help students feel confident, capable and connected to the world around them. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a school like Casey Grammar, where I’ve been supported and encouraged from day one,” Ella said.
