A new campaign featuring teachers from public schools across NSW has been launched to encourage people to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.
Nationals Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, unveiled the campaign today as part of events taking place in schools and communities across the state to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.
Ms Mitchell said the “Teaching Opens Doors” campaign showcases the unique benefits and impact of a career in teaching, not only for students, but for teachers themselves.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate World Teachers’ Day than to shine a light on some of the fantastic, dedicated teachers we have working in our public schools right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This campaign shows how teaching as a career has ‘opened doors’ to many opportunities both within and outside the classroom. It’s just one part of our plan to attract more teachers to the profession, including looking at how we can build on existing career opportunities to reward excellence in teaching.”
The campaign is an initiative part of the NSW Government’s $125 million Teacher Supply Strategy, which will attract an additional 3,700 teachers into the profession by 2031.
Iginas Gasengayire, a mathematics teacher at Orara High School in Coffs Harbour, was born in a war-torn country in Central East Africa, settling in Tanzania and growing up in a refugee camp before coming to Coffs when he was 15.
“Coming to school in Australia was very different. Having teachers who cared about our education and who really invested their time in supporting us, that was a big change for me,” said Mr Gasengayire.
“I chose to teach in the school where I was once a student because this school offered me a home. It’s the most rewarding job, where we get to make a difference for the future generation.”
Sarah Weston, Assistant Principal at Summer Hill Public School, is one of the teachers featured in the new campaign and reflects on how her passion to become a teacher came from her experience as a student.
“When I think about why I wanted to be a classroom teacher, it is very much about my experience as a student. I had teachers in my world who really cared for me,” Ms Weston said.
“I started out as a casual teacher and I absolutely loved it and knew then teaching was for me. As a beginning teacher, it’s fantastic to have formal mentors, your supervisor and your team all coming together to support you,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said qualified teachers have transferable skills that enable them to work anywhere in the state or country, whilst enjoying a rewarding and dynamic career.
“Making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people is in itself hugely rewarding,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Having access to generous and flexible leave provisions, making the most of the professional development programs and enjoying diverse career opportunities are also high on the list of benefits.”
For more information about the campaign and a career in teaching, visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/teachingopensdoors.
