If there was one thing you could change in education what would it be?
The status of the teaching profession. I see so many people commentate on the state of play in schools, or what teachers need to be doing differently. Rarely are these people championing the extensive work of true education professionals. Teaching is tough. It’s the best and most privileged role in the world; spending time with young people and community growing, learning, laughing. But boy it’s tough. And it shouldn’t be. It’s unacceptable that teacher’s health and wellness suffers for so many reasons. The community should be lifting them on high. I’d change the workflow and status of teaching.
What skills have proved to be most valuable?
Communication and leading from the heart. Authenticity is critical in any game, but teachers are pretty great at sensing people who aren’t genuine. I’ve fostered a network through collaboration, humour, transparency and support. I am someone who can see connections between people and ideas and I love providing opportunities for people to connect, share and thrive!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to do what you have done?
Be gut-led. Be true to the impact you want to make. Hold your ideas lightly and always take opportunities before you think you’re ready. I still tend to retreat into my busy little bubble when there is lots on or when I am stressed, so the advice I would give, and still am giving to myself is to stop trying to go it alone when you have a talented team of people (personally and professionally) around you! Let your curiosity lead you. Fight the notion that if you’re not in a classroom, you have no currency. I promise you’ll come up against that, but keep learning; hone expertise through hard work and experience but resist the urge to be ‘an expert’. Achieving stuff is far more fun than just knowing stuff. Oh, and foster relationships with excellent people. With a career path and job like mine, nurturing relationships of all kinds is a very deliberate action.
| INNOVATOR
Hold your IDEAS lightly and always take OPPORTUNITIES before you think you’re ready.