As World Teachers Day arrives, we take a moment to celebrate the dedicated individuals who shape minds and inspire hearts. This occasion offers a special opportunity to gain insights directly from the educators who are at the forefront of our learning journeys. In this Q&A session, we sat down with two passionate teachers to explore their experiences, philosophies, and the impact they have on the lives of their students. From cherished teaching moments to innovative strategies, join us as we delve into the world of education through the eyes of those who dedicate their lives to it.
Q & A #1
Primary Teacher – 6 Years
What got you into teaching, and how have your goals changed over time?
I became a teacher because I believed in the impact education can have. Initially, I focused on sharing information. Now I focus on an explicit instruction and formative assessment.
How can teachers make students curious and love learning? Any practical strategies?
To spark curiosity, connect lessons to real life, do hands-on activities, and let students pursue their interests. Also, encourage a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as learning opportunities.
What is a memorable teaching moment that impacted a student’s life. How did it feel as a teacher?
One standout moment was when a struggling student successfully presented a project in front of the class. He hated speaking in public. Seeing their pride and confidence grow was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in the positive impact of education.
How do you use technology to enhance learning? Any examples?
I use virtual field trips, educational apps, and online discussions to make learning more engaging and tailored to individual needs.
If you could change one thing in education, what would it be and why?
I’d focus more on a balanced education that includes mental health support and values diverse learning styles. This would create a more effective and equitable system.
Any advice for teachers trying to make a positive impact on students?
Stay passionate, adapt to different needs, and build strong relationships with your students. The most lasting lessons often go beyond the textbooks.
Q & A #2
Secondary Teacher – 7 Years
What got you into teaching, and how have your goals changed over time?
What initially drew me into this field was from a love of learning myself, I was passionate about reading and inferring different hidden meanings from texts. Then when I got into teaching the amazing conversations, ideas and stories I heard from the students I taught inspired me further. My goals as a teacher have evolved from being primarily academically focused, and now I see teaching more holistically, due to some of the behavioural problems we are now experiencing. Role modelling positive behaviour and interactions is just as important as some of the academic outcomes, and creating a safe space for young people is essential for any learning to occur.
How can teachers make students curious and love learning? Any practical strategies?
To foster a sense of curiosity and love for learning in students, the environment needs to be right. This is crucial for students to feel brave enough to make mistakes and dive into learning fully. Making learning a positive experience with mutual respect needs to be in place. Students need to feel valued and supported in their learning so they can start to enjoy and love the space.
What is a memorable teaching moment that impacted a student’s life. How did it feel as a teacher?
Memorable teaching moments are usually anecdotal rather than in the academic results. For me moving to a regional school was challenging due to some of the cultural changes. Teaching students that fully trust you, that seek out your feedback and strive to do better is one of the best feelings, and seeing students feel really proud of themselves. Seeing some of my senior students improve on their writing and complete an essay that may only be half a grade better academically, but their growth in confidence and feelings of success is so amazing. That’s when you feel like a good teacher.
How do you use technology to enhance learning? Any examples?
Technology has made it easier to visualise things for students. This occurs in many different ways for academic and behavioural purposes. With teaching, reading things like Bookopolis on ipads helps to make this into a class challenge, helps them to track their growth and record their learning. However, simple things like Compass being available to highlight merit points, so students can see where they have done well and which teacher things they have had success.
If you could change one thing in education, what would it be and why?
I think behaviour and academic expectations are mutually inclusive, creating the right environment for your classroom as well as the right resources will help to create a positive learning experience. I do believe that all schools should teach behaviour in the same way they teach their subjects or skills. Since COVID everyone is struggling to pay attention, socialise and live up to other people’s expectations. By being explicit in our behaviour expectations young people can learn, and I think all schools should be doing school-wide positive behaviour.
Any advice for teachers trying to make a positive impact on students?
Reflecting on my journey so far, I would say there have been great times and terrible times and the life of a teacher is not easy, however, the work we are doing is so valuable and I try and hold on to the good even in the dark. No day or month is the same and there will always be students who are tricky, but there will also always be those students that look to you as an amazing role model, or even just as a person who is unconditionally there for them. Fake it till you make it – being positive is hard, but you must try to bring the good vibes to class as your students may depend on that safe space to get them through the day.
