Life before Girton
I began my teaching journey in 2017, as a graduate of La Trobe University where I had just finished my Master of Teaching (Secondary) and my Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in History) before that in 2015. While I was studying at university, I worked as a pool lifeguard. Lifeguarding still runs through my veins as I feel an internal urge to tell students to stop running around the pool at the annual House Swimming Carnival. After graduating I was lucky enough to be employed at the picturesque Braemar College in Woodend. I was there until the end of 2019 when I began my life at Girton.
What I love about teaching
Teaching is the best job in the world! I regularly tell my classes that having the opportunity to teach them is what drags me out of bed in the morning. I love teaching History, as that is my passion. But what I enjoy even more is the smiles on students’ faces after they learn a new fun fact, or when they grasp a concept that they have struggled with in the past. Those happy lightbulb moments give me the drive to teach.
What do you like best about the subject/s you teach?
Although I have many hats within the Humanities Department, my true passion lies in History. History teaches students lifelong skills which are relevant in other subjects and aspects of life. It’s more than just the content, which is something that I reiterate often to students. Some of these transferrable skills include writing, critical thinking, and analysis. Not only are these valuable in English, Maths and Science, but students thinking about a future as a doctor, lawyer or writer should definitely consider studying History.
My favourite classroom activity
I love getting students to have discussion and debate. Many students learn something and have one viewpoint. Classroom discussion leads to the sharing of ideas, which funnily enough tends to make those discussion participants feel empathetic towards others. The sharing of ideas adds depth to concepts, and this generally sharpens students’ critical thinking skills. My second favourite activity, which I think deserves a mention, is roleplay. When students can get out of their seat and embody a character, something clicks in their minds…something which may not happen if stuck in a chair all lesson. Getting up and about does wonders for the imagination!
What difference can good teaching make?
I believe that I am engaging and open-minded, with a good sense of humour. The students that I teach are familiar with the ‘eye-roll’ feeling that they get when I tell a dad joke in the middle of class. My goal is for students to embody these traits and learn that light-hearted humour can change someone’s day. Additionally, I mentioned before that I’m passionate about History. Students know when a teacher is passionate about the topic they teach and tend to respond better, having much more fun in the process.
Other hats
When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me courtside coaching basketball on Friday nights. I also dabble in playing the ukulele (although I’m definitely not a professional!). I thoroughly enjoy reading historical non-fiction to expand my knowledge, and my ever-expanding book collection shows this. I also love catching up with friends over a cup of coffee and going for walks in nature.
