Why did you want to become a teacher?

The film Romeo and Juliet produced by Baz Lurhmann – suddenly it all made sense. I had to do more of this!

What is your first memory from school?

Rolly pollies down the hill on the school field. The smell of fresh cut grass still takes me back to that, every time!

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

When students say “Aww!”, when it’s time to pack up because the lesson has finished.

If I walked into your classroom on a typical afternoon, what would I see going on?

That’s a tough one, as this often looks very different depending on the students and focus of the lesson. The majority of time, the lesson is structured in a way that students are able to facilitate their own learning. I do like to incorporate movement and group work where there is opportunity, but there’s also time for focused and individual learning.

What’s the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?

For a piece of persuasive writing, where students had to describe the unfortunate circumstances of an abandoned cat, I’d asked students to describe the “state” the cat was found in. One of the students innocently replied, “Arizona!” An early reminder to me that I had to use more precise vocabulary in my instructions.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

Books: Shanteram, by Gregory David Roberts; Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll; 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami, and The Piano Teacher, by Janice Lee.

Films: Pulp Fiction - The soundtrack alone would keep me going; Romeo and Juliet (the Baz Luhrmann version), and the Fawlty Towers TV series.

What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?

Time - I feel the desire to create more, but there’s never enough time to do all the ideas buzzing around in my head.

What inspires you?

People, books, places

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Getting an education, becoming a teacher.

My desire and determination to continue to learn.

My improved patience.

My travel experiences.

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

That cat must be left firmly in the bag!