Mark Bishop
Mark Bishop started in ACT public education 53 years ago as a kindergarten student at Hackett Primary School – and he loved it so much that he never left !
Mark ’ s inspiring journey through the different sectors of teaching , and eventually into a role in the Indigenous Education team in the Education Support Office , show the myriad of unique and rewarding pathways that await career starters in education .
We chatted to Mark to explore where his teaching degree led him , and his reflections on a decades long career in ACT education .
What inspired you to work in education ?
Growing up I had some great role models - I always liked the concept of being a teacher and the opportunities it provides . My brother-in-law was a struggling actor , I used to say to him , the best paid actors are in teaching , if you really want to teach it ’ s a bit of a performance . You ’ ve got to enjoy talking , creating and working with people and depending on what you ' re doing , you drop into a few different roles . You ’ re constantly asking , “ how do I engage these kids ?” and using every trick in the book to get them interested and intrigued . Sometimes , to connect , you ' ve got to be a different sort of person for a different group of kids .
Can you describe your journey from teacher to education support staff ?
Back when I was at university , if you were three year trained you could teach in primary schools whilst completing your fourth year . Teaching primary was great because it really helps you understand where the kids are coming from when they get to high school . I ’ ve worked at Campbell , Downer and Waramanga Primary schools ( now Arawang Primary ), then ended up at Lyneham High School for my first tour of duty at a high school . I ’ ve also worked in colleges for many years , at UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra , Narrabundah College , back to Lyneham High School and then finished as Deputy Principal at Dickson College .
What I learned about being in all three of those sectors is that there ’ s great things in each ( especially the staff ) but each sector has its unique differences from the others . In primary , you have a strong relationship
St Margaret ’ s News 4 July 2021