Home Page > Our Courses > Undergraduate Courses > Mark Story Student Profile

2008 Winner Gwen Muir Prizes for Special Education
Awarded annually to a student from the Bachelor of Education who has the most distinguished academic record and who has demonstrated excellence in the practicum in special education.

1. Where are you teaching?
I am currently employed as a year 4 teacher at St Mark's Primary School, Drummoyne, which is a Catholic systemic school. I teach in a mainstream setting and have 24 students (16 boys and 8 girls) in my class. I thoroughly enjoy teaching in such a supportive environment and am most grateful for the oppurtunity. To be in such a position of responsibility is something I cherish. For any students reading this, I can assure you, there is no greater feeling in the world than having a class to call your own. I have had amazing days and incredibly challenging days. Yet, at the back of my mind, seeing my class for the first time was outright empowering!

2. What student achievements helped you win the award?
I reflect back on my university life and my success was based on the simple premise of hard work. It was a case of doing my best, forward planning and executing my idea. Teaching is to me, a commitment to developing ideas, ways and means to portray content. My ideas, at times, were radical and against the norm, but I stood by them and had them critiqued. I suppose what I am referring to is try your best and stick by your ideas. Don't simply dismiss an idea because it is against the norm. Talk about it, see what other people think and reflect on it. I found this cycle was ever present at university and so valuable. You realise people are different and the world of teaching is incredibly broad.

Throughout university, I was supported by my family, friends and academic staff exceptionally well. Also, the special education cohort of 2004 was spectacular. I made some amazing friends, and within this cohort, there are many outstanding and dedicated teachers. These people stood by me and encouraged me unconditionally. Without this, I would not be an award recipient, yet alone a graduate.

3. How have you used the content of the BEd in your occupation?
In answering this question, I wish to address the misconception that university knowledge is not applicable within the school place environment. I can assure you that everything presented by lecturers and tutors is applicable to the classroom and your professional life. Thus, upon reflection, the biggest things I have taken away from university are the following:

* Practicums. Professional experience is a chance to flex your muscle, make mistakes and learn. I made thousands of mistakes and learned the greatest lesson of all: ask for help! Teachers, to me, are petrified of asking for help. They fear, and so do I, coming across as incompetent. The fact is, practicum enables you to see schools and classes for what they are. They enable you, as a student-teacher, to come in and witness the life that awaits you. It is on your practicums, and in your practicum subjects, that you learn about professionalism, lesson preparation, involvement and flexibility. Also, you are exposed to the multidimensional roles and jobs that teachers face everyday.  

* Different instructional approaches. Are you going to use direct instruction? Are you going to use experiential learning? Will you use cooperative learning? These approaches to teaching are incredibly valuable and I try to incorporate as many of them into my teaching. Each child has a preferred learning style and using a variety of instructional approaches assists me greatly. Firstly, I can see which methods are better than others. Secondly, I can observe worksamples and see whether or not the method of instruction was effective. The fact is, we always need to reflect on our ability as teachers. Did we get the point across? Did the students understand? If not, what can I do as a teacher to get the point across more clearly?

* Existing research. I have read research over a variety of fields (e.g., ICT, Behaviour Management) and all relate to the school place environment and push us to be better educators. Furthermore, the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education must not be undervalued. Having this degree, showed my work ethic and enabled employers to see that I housed a passion for boys' education. During the interview process, I was asked several times about my thesis and how it affects my practice. In answering this question, it underpins my teaching and overall philosophy. I have 18 boys in my class and I am always presenting information that coexists with the findings of my thesis. If anyone believes that research does not apply to teachers in the profession, they are putting themselves at a disservice.

*Special Education. Lecturer Dr Kirsty Young deserves a knighthood for the amount of time and effort she poured into her classes. Whilst I can teach in a mainstream setting and set students to work, I can always adapt, modify and alter lesson content so that student needs are met. I can break down complicated tasks into simple steps and this is a great ability to have, particularly when your lesson has not gone smoothly. I will always be developing this skill and incorporating elements of special education into my class, such as teaching for fluency, mastery and generalisation. Yet, I will always be improving in this regard.

4. Where do you see your career and lifelong learning heading?
Career wise, I seek to resume study and to do a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education or a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I aspire to be a principal or headmaster of a Sydney school. However, these are long-term dreams. Present day, I wish to move between schools, teaching no longer than 3 to 4 years at a given place. I think starting and appearing fresh is vital and this also assists with networking. In addition, you gain insight into the various structures of schools and their components. On this note, I intend to internationalise my degree and teach overseas in the not too distant future.

As a beginning teacher, I am learning new things every day. This is the flame that keeps me coming back and teaching everyday. Making a difference and making children feel valued is imperative, however, I also need to develop my knowledge and experience. I can assure everybody that has read my words: teaching is a commitment to lifelong learning. You learn about your children, parents, school, content and so much more every day. At times, I have found this overwhelming. Yet, more than anything, I have found this to be a challenge. As I have had instilled in me, challenges are made to be overcome and doing your best will enable that.