Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences

Ben Corset

B Education (Human Movement)/B.Languages (French) 1997-2001

Teaches Year 1 – 12 Physical Education at Annandale Christian School , Townsville

The best aspect about my school is the class sizes.  There are ten students in my senior class so I can develop more of a personal relationship with them and this makes it easier to impart knowledge.

The relationship with kids and the responsibility that parents and the school gives you is what makes teaching special.

Lyndal Eckersley

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 1998-2001

Teaches English, Drama, Study of Religion and Expressive Art and Annandale Christian School , Townsville

I grew up with a good image of teachers.  Teachers make a difference and I wanted to make a difference.

I teach at a school where there are only eight teaching staff so it’s generally one staff member for each discipline.  So you are the department and you’re seen as in expert in that field because no one else is trained in it.

So much of what happens in a school doesn’t happen in the classroom, it happens at the school camps, on the playground and in the staffroom.

John Fuller

B.Economics 1990-92, Grad B.Ed  2000-01

Teaches Economics and Business at Ignatius Park College , Townsville

I completed a Bachelor of Economics and worked as a general manager of a medical practice for six and a half years before I decided I wanted to be a secondary school teacher.  I’d like to say the holidays are the best thing about being a teacher but there is so much more like creating a good rapport with students, meeting new friends and getting satisfaction out of student learning.

The overall structure of the course seemed to accommodate my learning requirements and I’ve utilised heaps of what I learnt at university in my every day teaching.

Tanya Korn

Bachelor of Science 1992-94,Graduate Bachelor of Education 1998 – 2001 (studied part time)

Maths Science Teacher at Northern Beaches Secondary School , Townville

After finishing my science degree I worked with long term unemployed people on environmental projects.  School hadn’t done a lot for them and I wanted to make a difference.  I wanted school to be a more positive experience for these people and that's largely what motivated me to become a teacher.

I make a point of ringing parents with feedback on their child.  The kids and parents seem to really appreciate that you’ve made the effort to do this.  It’s really great when a student comes up to me in the playground with a big smile on their face and says “My dad cooked my favourite food last night and my sister gave me a hug”.

Teaching is rewarding, challenging and fulfilling.   I love it.

Jodie McDonald

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 1998-2001

Teaches Japanese, English, Art and Religious Education at Ryan Catholic College , Townsville

I thought teaching would suit me because I’ve always been a good communicator and can get people excited about things.

The highlight of my first year of teaching was organising and being part of the Year eight camp at Abergowie.  I could get to know the kids on another level and I could work on forming friendships with them.  But on par with the camp is the Year 8 debating team that I coached.  They’re in the regional finals, they’ve come so far, I’m so proud of them.

Teaching has far and beyond exceeded my expectations.  I am constantly surprised by what’s involved.

Leonie Phelan

B.Arts 1987 - 89,Graduate Bachelor of Education – 2000-01

Teaches English and Social Sciences at Thuringowa State High School , Townsville

Mother of three children

I worked for ten years after finishing my degree. I started to hate my job and I had always wanted to be a teacher.  My husband was supportive so I came back and did the Graduate Bachelor of Education.

The best thing about teaching is knowing that you can do it.  When you first start out you think you’re never going to be able to do this but then a student understands what you are talking about and you think this is fantastic, I really am making a difference.  Every day is different, the kids are changing every day.