 There were a few clues that indicate I am in the right job:
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At 9 years old I was lining my 5 younger brothers up before the came into my cubby classroom to get tested on their times tables.
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Spending more time helping classmates than doing my own work.
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Being asked to start teaching before I had officially finished my degree (special permission granted by Teacher’s Registration Board).
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Moderating in my second year of teaching.
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Taking long service leave and finding myself back in the classroom after one and a half weeks.
The most enjoyable aspect of a career in teaching is working with people. I have a passion for mathematics and I enjoy inspiring others to share it. I have worked at Scotch since the start of 2005, and found it a fantastic environment to work in. I have spent far more time teaching in class than I have in my 16 years in education - without behavioural issues, large classes and chasing resources I have spent more time doing what I love doing. In addition at Scotch I enjoy working with such a professional and dedicated staff – we inspire each other to be the best we can be.
So how do I inspire students to like Maths? I try to make the topics relevant and to involve the students in the discovery. I don't hide my delight in making a discovery, or my pride in student’s successes. Also by taking an interest in things that are important to each student: their sport or their hobbies, they are more willing to take an interest in what I find important and exciting - MATHS.
My greatest achievement, well I was pretty pleased to get this position at Scotch! On the other hand I am happy to have survived a week on Year 9 expedition without showers or toilets. I do like my creature comforts; my bed and my spa! My funniest moment since I started teaching at Scotch was discovering that staff keep the Gratton toilets unlocked when not in use. All other rooms are locked when empty so being new I locked the toilets at recess one morning. The other staff thought because it was locked someone was stuck in there!
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