Primary School,
Queensland
What inspired you to get into teaching?
I always wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. I even taught the tins in my mum’s pantry. During primary school I had some very inspiring teachers. One teacher always had the most amazing and inviting classroom, a place that made me want to spend time in and learn. She also spent time getting to know me and was always happy to talk to me. She saved all her unused worksheets for me, so I could use them in my own “play classroom”.
Why do you teach?
I teach because I love to see students learn new things, particularly prep-aged students who become literate in their first year of school. There is such a joy watching students learn to read and write. I have a passion for play-based education where students learn through playing and doing. Engaging students in learning through their interests is so simple. My classroom is set up with many different stations where students can choose to go and learn/play. When students choose to write or play number games or create design briefs, you know they are learning because they want to.
What's your stand out/most memorable teaching moment?
When teaching a Year 4/5 class in Arnhem Land one afternoon, only two of my students returned to class after the lunch break. I decided to teach my lesson about day and night anyway. Using a torch and a globe I showed them how when the earth spins night and day is created. Watching their eyes light up as understanding took place was amazing to see. They took the torch from me and had a go at making night and day for themselves. The next day I witnessed these two students teach this very lesson to their classmates. The feeling of pride at seeing this peer teaching happen has stayed with me for 20 plus years. It was one of the best “AH HA” moments of my career.
Have you received a special keepsake from your student/s that you treasure?
When I left my last school in the Northern Territory, I received a farewell book called “Thanks Mrs McPhee”. The book was created by a school family and consisted of messages from students that I had taught and some that I hadn’t, as
well as their families and staff members. It was the most humbling gift with so many treasured messages, poems and pictures.
What is your advice for new teachers or people considering a career in teaching?
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers there is. It is definitely hard work, but everyday moments helping students learn is so very fulfilling. Become a teacher it is the best job!
