Beginning Teacher Profiles
Name: Sarah Penrose
Sex: Female
Years of Experience: Second year teacher
Current position: Permanent Teacher at The Gap State High School; teaching Years 8-11 English, SOSE and Modern History.
I knew I wanted to be a teacher because: When I look back over my 12 years of schooling, there are a few teachers that stand out in my mind that were interesting, dynamic and influential in my development. These teachers inspired me growing up, and if I could be that person to a student, then it would be a very rewarding career. Teaching gives you the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and development. I also believe that teaching is a profession in which I can be a learner, a teacher, a carer all in one.
Being part of a profession means: Specifically for teaching, I believe it means working collaboratively with other staff members (all staff including teachers, administration, cleaning staff etc) to ensure quality learning and development for all students. It also means providing students with the best opportunities for them to be able to succeed in life and become active global citizens.
My greatest achievement was: In an educational context it would be graduating from my Secondary Education degree with first class honours. My interest in education and hard work at university laid the groundwork for my professional career as a teacher.
My biggest challenge was: Maintaining a work/life balance. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the workload of a beginning teacher. I need to make a conscious effort to make sure I maintain a sensible balance between work and a social life.
I will never forget the time: I was offered a teaching position at The Gap State High School.
If there was one thing I could change: I don’t think I would change anything about my role as a teacher so far, as I believe it is all part of developing as a professional educator. I do believe however that it is always important to reflect on lessons and interactions with students, in order to ensure constant improvement as a teacher.
I felt that I had made a difference teaching when: Students have realised their potential in a certain area, or have realised that they can achieve certain goals when they set their minds to it and put in the effort. Also, even small milestones in the classroom like engaging students in a particular topic, or content area.
The next step is: Getting through my second year of teaching, and maintaining my enthusiasm, flare and interest in the profession.
Students will remember me as the teacher who: Can have a joke with students but who is ultimately concerned about getting the best results out of them in all facets of school life and as a teacher who attempts to build good, effective working relationships with students in order to provide them with the best opportunities for their futures.
Name: Shane Lynch
Sex: Male
Years of Experience: 2
Current position: Secondary Teacher (St Laurences College)
I knew I wanted to be a teacher because: you can make a difference to students’ lives on so many different levels.
Being part of a profession means: Accepting responsibilities and maintaining a high standard
My greatest achievement is: Getting students to reach their full potential – sometimes even more than what they think they are capable of.
My biggest challenge was: Behaviour management- drawing a line between being friends with the students and demonstrating authority.
I will never forget the time: A student asked me if I would go out with her mother!
If there was one thing I could change: Teachers pay.
I felt that I had made a difference teaching when: I changed schools and the students were really upset.
The next step is: Getting permanency.
Students will remember me as the teacher who: was always keen to get involved in school activities.