Secondary School,
Queensland
Meet Jennifer, a secondary school teacher from Queensland. Learn about what inspired Jennifer 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?
When I was at school, my music and drama teachers provided a safe space where I could be myself, where my love of the arts was encouraged, and my individuality was celebrated. I wanted to be that safe person for others. Someone who could recognise students’ unique talents and teach young people that they are safe, and they are worth celebrating.
Why do you teach?
I teach because I love those moments when a student who has struggled to understand a concept, finally has that lightbulb moment. You can physically see the excitement when they realise that they have learnt and understood something new for the first time. That moment when they realise they just needed to look at things from a different perspective.
I love watching these young people grow and mature as they discover their identities and learn that it is okay to be different. That moment when a child steps on stage for the first time in a musical, a choir, or in a dance performance and they become a whole new confident version of themselves and they absolutely shine. Helping these young adults find joy in learning and growing; this is why I teach.
What’s your stand out/most memorable teaching moment?
My favourite teaching moment was the night we closed our first college musical in 2022. I had students from all backgrounds, ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 take part as the onstage cast, backstage crew, ushers, hair, makeup artists and prop assistants. As we sat in a large circle on stage after the curtain closed, they shared their pride in the show, talking about the friendships they had formed and shedding many tears that it was over. Several students commented that it was the first time in their schooling lives that they felt like they belonged and that they had found ‘their people’. This is the power of the arts, and this is why I do what I do.
What is your advice for new teachers or people considering a career in teaching?
Go into it with passion. Students feed off your energy. If you bring your joy and passion about learning, the students can’t help but feed off that excitement and find joy in learning for themselves. Be a safe person for your students, you never know if your kind words are the only bit of kindness they will receive that day. Find the good in every day and surround yourself with others who do the same. There is no other career like teaching, we have been given a gift that allows us to empower young people in a changing world, let’s use it!
