Coming into her 16th year of teaching, Alice has experienced the career-enhancing opportunities available across the system at all levels of her career. As a self-confessed tech nerd and Taylor Swift super-fan, Alice brings joy to the profession by sharing her day-to-day routines on social media, showcasing the rewards of teaching and life as a mum of two young girls.

Continue reading to hear about Alice’s career journey in more detail.

At what point did you decide to become a teacher and how did you kick-start this journey?

Teaching was always something I wanted to do. I knew it was a profession that was intellectually stimulating and creative, with no two days ever being the same. I decided to seriously pursue teaching as a career in Year 11. Despite encouragement from many, including my family, to consider other paths because of my high ATAR potential, I remained steadfast in my decision. My Year 11 and 12 Biology teacher, who had also taught me from Year 8 to 10, supported and encouraged me, leading to my decision to choose education as my first preference on the UAC application.

In Year 12, I applied for a scholarship with the NSW Department of Education and was awarded one. This scholarship supported me throughout my pre-service teaching degree and guaranteed a permanent position upon completion of my studies.

What have been some career highlights for you whilst working as a NSW public school teacher?

Every day is a highlight and I mean it. When you work in NSW public schools, you are with others who want to make a difference and continuously strive for equity and excellence. You are working with the best crowd of people who do the best that we can to inspire the next generation.

One significant highlight was the opportunity to work with teachers, students and schools both across NSW and internationally. I had multiple opportunities in this area. For example, being awarded the Microsoft Partners in Teaching Award allowed me to work with teachers from New Zealand and the Czech Republic. As a non-school-based teacher, I regularly travelled to rural and remote schools to support their students and teachers. Additionally, working with Aurora College gave me the chance to connect with students and teachers from all around NSW. These experiences enriched my professional growth, exposing me to diverse ideas, contexts and people.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your teaching career?

There have been many memorable moments, but the most touching ones are when former students make the effort to visit or greet me in public. I’ve had students run after me on train platforms to express their appreciation or send thank you messages through their younger siblings. It’s especially rewarding when former students tell me they are studying to become teachers or pursuing a university degree in science because of their enjoyment of my lessons.

What is your best piece of advice for pre-service and beginning teachers?

Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and develop strategies that work best for you.

For pre-service teachers, I suggest taking every opportunity to observe lessons and co-teach, especially in areas outside your current Key Learning Area or Stage.

For beginning and early career teachers, teaching is fundamentally about building and maintaining genuine relationships. Engage in extracurricular activities to strengthen connections with students and the school community beyond the classroom, as these relationships will enhance your classroom experience.

As a mum of two, what is your number one tip for staying organised?

Calendars and planners are your best friends! I have my teaching timetable synced to my email calendar and phone, with 15-minute reminders so that I receive notifications before each lesson. This system helps me keep track without constantly checking the time. I use the same setup for my children’s events, ensuring that all important dates and reminders are noted. My kids also have a whiteboard planner in their room listing their library, sport and homework days. They’ve learned to check this planner when packing their bags the night before, ensuring they have everything they need for the next day.

To hear more about Alice's teaching journey, tune in to Episode 13 of the Teach NSW Podcast where Alice shares how she integrates technology into her lessons to further engage students and support their learning. Listen now via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.