Secondary School,
New South Wales
What inspired you to get into teaching?
Teaching was something that I always wanted to do however I took an alternative career path and practiced as a solicitor prior to entering the teaching profession. The inspiration for the career change was due to my involvement with criminal justice and young offenders. I felt that I could have a greater positive impact on the lives of young people if I had met them earlier in their lives and helped them to realise their potential and find their passion in life through teaching. What stood out to me during these encounters was the impact a lack of education had on one's life chances. This motivated me to make the change by switching to teaching where I could help kids develop the skills that would set them up for success in life and be an active and effective member of society.
Why do you teach?
Teaching is about being the tide that lifts all ships and helping all students to realise their potential in life. I teach for the small moments when students gain confidence, develop a new skill, and persevere in pursuit of their goals. I see the purpose of teaching as helping students to realise their purpose and I am dedicated to achieving this by creating opportunities for success for each child. I teach because I believe that every child deserves the chance to develop to their full potential. When I stepped into my first teaching role, I knew that I had found my purpose in life, to provide the best opportunities I could for students to discover what they are capable of.
What is your advice for new teachers or people considering a career in teaching?
Every student has their learning currency, and it is up to you to work out what it is and how you can use it to help them reach their potential. Relationships are so important and if a student can see that you know who they are and how they learn, they will respect you and trust your process because they will know that you have their best interests at heart. Be a positive role model and lead by example. Show students that there is a path to achieving their dreams and back them to achieve it. The most important thing to a student is that you believe they can do it. Always believe you can make a positive difference in the life of a student.
