Q: What do you teach at SMGS?

Kindergarten and Year 1. I also teach Exploring Early Childhood as part of our Academies of Excellence program.

Q: How long have you been teaching at SMGS?

2017 is my third year teaching at SMGS.

Q: What other areas of the school community are you involved in?

Snowsports, Netball

Q: What attracted you to the area?

Initially the snow, and then I stayed for the great community that Jindabyne has.

Q: Which university did you attend?

Macquarie University in Sydney.

Q: What do you love about teaching?

I wake up every morning thinking about teaching – excited by what my day will bring, excited by the learning that will take place but most of all excited by being in a space where relationships and connections are valued and every child feels part of. That’s why I am a teacher – I could think of nothing else in this world I want to be doing but teaching!

Q: What do you think makes an amazing teacher?

Truly amazing teachers value the relationships and connections they have with each child in their class. They value and respect each child and their individual journey, which in turn builds successful lifelong learners.

Q: What do you think is the most important aspect of being a teacher?

The ability to reflect on your own teaching practice and pedagogy in order to be the best teacher you can be for every child that walks into your classroom. Being able to think critically about what you are doing and why you are doing it allows us to make decisions in the best interests of the children that we are teaching.

Q: What is so important about the early years of a child’s education?

The early years are the time when students develop their learning habits that they are going to take with them through their whole schooling life. Having strong foundations in the early years are the building blocks for positive outcomes in education. As an early year’s teacher, it is my job to ensure that I am providing authentic and engaging learning experiences which provide students solid foundations to be lifelong successful learners.

Q: What is your proudest moment as a teacher?

Receiving the Teachers’ Guild of NSW Primary School Teacher of the Year in 2016.

Q: What is your most embarrassing moment as a teacher?

I don’t think I have one …. Yet!!!!

Q: If you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Always follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never give up! My favourite Dr Suess quote always reminds me of this… “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…. Get on your way!”