What are some of the challenges in your role?
Being somewhat disconnected from the ongoing process or outcome is a challenge. We tend to sit in the inspiration and coaching space, rather than the dig in, hands dirty work. I get pretty emotionally invested in the projects of the teachers, students and teams I get to work with, so that can be a challenge to let some things go, or to devote good time and energy to each without burning out. I travel a considerable amount, and while it’s an enormous honour to meet new people every day, it’s tough in many ways too, not only because you leave excellent people after meeting them, but you also miss out on lots of things on the personal front too. It’s a balance I am constantly juggling!
What have been the highlights of your career?
When I run into students, I taught at some point in my life, that’s a huge career 'high five'. To see flourishing young adults makes me so tremendously proud.
I’ve been on advisory panels for Ministers, hosted awards ceremonies for departments of education, won accolades of my own, but nothing can ever eclipse those moments when students are brave and challenge their learning or the teaching of adults and the system. Working with students in the Northern Territory to design their learning and seeing their ideas infused into system-level strategic plans is a pretty significant point in my work life for sure.
How long did it take you to make the transition?
I will always miss the happy noise of a school, so I wonder if I will ever really truly make the transition! All in all though, probably six months.
Nothing can ever ECLIPSE those moments when students are BRAVE and CHALLENGE their learning.