You weren’t always a teacher. What is your background and why did you make a change to education?
I come from a Commerce background and most recently prior to teaching, I was an investment analyst for a Funds Manager, valuing Australian companies on the stock market. I have a Masters in Applied Finance as well as other commerce post graduate qualifications.
I loved what I did but decided that I wanted to make a difference in the world and hopefully change people’s lives. Investing people’s money was personally satisfying but I wanted to have a more direct influence and had a passion to work with children.
What is the most satisfying aspect of being a teacher?
There is nothing more satisfying then seeing the growth in an individual from Year 4 right up to seeing them graduate from Year 12. To see a student ‘get it’ who has struggled with a topic in class, after spending one on one time with them, is really satisfying.
What do you think the students find appealing about your classes?
I hope they like that the classes are linked to the real world, and that I am able to bring my real life experience to my classes. They are able to use many of the skills they learn in class in their own lives, and most importantly they understand the world around them, how it impacts on them and how they impact it.
My classes tend to be quite interactive and the students really enjoy the hands on learning that enables them to apply their skills and knowledge.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I play football for Hawthorn Amateurs in the winter and cricket for Bulleen in the summer. I also love reading, and am working my way through the collection of Charles Dickens (halfway thus far) with my favourite book being David Copperfield.