Morgan Ferruccio

Monash College
Team Leader Diploma IT & Applied Data Science

What if students could shape their future by designing it themselves?

Morgan is reshaping how IT is taught – putting student interests, creativity, and ownership at the centre of learning.

Was there a turning point that brought you to becoming an educator, or did you always know you'd end up here?

The turning point came when I had to choose between continuing in research or stepping into full-time teaching. I was offered the chance to teach a unit I’d loved as a student – Foundations of 3D – and realised I wanted to share that passion with others. That decision led me to a career where I could make a meaningful impact.

How would you explain your role to someone who’s unfamiliar with pathways education?

Pathways education gives students another chance by supporting those who didn’t meet direct entry requirements to build the skills, confidence, and academic readiness they need to succeed at university. It’s about meeting students where they are and helping them grow into capable, independent learners.

I hope to be known as someone who believed in every student’s potential – and inspired others to do the same.”

How do you tailor your teaching approach to engage and inspire today’s students?

I start by getting to know what excites them – whether it’s games, animation, or movies, and use those interests to bring the subject matter to life. Teaching 3D makes this connection easier, as it naturally aligns with many of their passions. When students see how what they love relates to what they’re learning, the classroom becomes a space of curiosity and creativity. It’s about making learning feel relevant, personal, and inspiring.

What’s something about Monash College that would surprise people in a good way?

People might be surprised by how collaborative and student-focused the culture is here.

At Monash College, we’re all educators at heart – united by a shared commitment to helping students succeed. The close-knit community creates space for deeper connections, not just between staff and students, but among colleagues as well. It’s a place where support, passion, and purpose come together.

What do you hope your students take away from their time with you? Is there a student moment you’ll never forget, and why?

I hope they leave with a love of learning and the understanding that mistakes are part of the journey. One moment I’ll never forget was working with a student who had felt defeated by past experiences. With empathy and encouragement, they rebuilt their confidence and became a leader among their peers – a powerful reminder of the impact of connection.

What does being a teacher allow you to do that nothing else can? Was there a moment you realised that your work as an educator goes beyond what happens in the classroom?

Teaching allows me to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. I realised the depth of that impact when I saw how encouragement could shift a student’s self-perception – helping them grow not just as learners, but as confident individuals ready to thrive beyond the classroom.

What legacy or ripple effect do you hope to leave behind?

I hope to be remembered for helping shape a course that students find valuable and future-focused. More importantly, I want to be known as someone who believed in every student’s potential – and inspired others to do the same in their own teaching.