Primary School,
New South Wales
Meet Bree, a primary school teacher from NSW. Learn about what inspired Bree to get into teaching, her stand out teaching moment and advice she gives to anyone considering a career in teaching.
What inspired you to get into teaching?
My inspiration to become a teacher was thoroughly formed from my own experiences as a student, particularly my connections with my teachers throughout all my schooling years from pre-school to secondary. I still recall the care, commitment, generosity, kindness, and encouragement they provided me as a student on a daily basis. I remember scenarios in which they as individuals were there for me as an important person in whom I trusted and felt supported by. In reflection of these connections and the sense of security in which I received from my teachers across my schooling, I developed my own passion and want to be that important person in the future of my students’ lives.
Why do you teach?
I can confidently say I could nearly write a book on the reasons why I teach because when I think about my teaching career so far there really are so many big and little elements that make being a teacher such a blessing. Overall, I teach because it makes me happy. A day in the life of a teacher is always filled with laughter, love and growth and that feeling of knowing you are someone that is actively playing a role in a student’s life and guiding the future generation, is so empowering.
What’s your stand out/most memorable teaching moment?
I had a student transitioning into Year 5 who had minimal confidence in their abilities and was very anxious about the workload and task complexity Year 5 entailed. In term one, this student’s favourite phrase of speech was ‘I can’t do this’. Throughout the year I developed a great student-teacher rapport with this student and provided them with the support, guidance, and encouragement they need in learning tasks. As a class during this year, we focused on the motto ‘We can do hard things’ encouraging our brains to dive into a positive mindset. In that final term of the year this student would confidently take on any-task quoting ‘I can do this because I can do hard things’. This growth not only in their mind-set but also in effect of their learning was huge and provided me with such a great sense of accomplishment as a teacher. It was so rewarding.
What is your advice for new teachers or people considering a career in teaching?
My advice for people considering a career in teaching would be, do it. It is truly a career that brings so much joy and provides you with such a sense of importance.
