How I Became a Teacher

I don't often tell this story, but I thought it would be a nice one to have on the blog as a bit of a reminder of where I was 14 years ago (wow that's seems like a long time when you add up 5 years of uni and 9 years of teaching).

made with canva

I didn't begin with an Education degree straight after high school. I was always good at computers and technology, and this is the field my dad works in, so we (my parents and I) decided I would apply for a double degree - Bachelor of Computer Science with Bachelor of Arts. Uni began and it was soooo different to high school. I suddenly became popular and as a result, more interested in the social side of uni life rather than the studying (well in my computing subjects anyway - I actually found the Arts subjects kind of interesting and hence got better grades for them). Part way through that year when I turned 18, I got a part time job working in my local Out of School Hours Care at the primary school I attended - just down the road from home. Not because I was particularly interested in this area, I just thought it would be a fun part time job. Meanwhile - I absolutely loved working with the children and several of the other staff (including my boss) would often say to me "You're so good with children - why aren't you studying teaching?"

So I made the big decision to change courses. I met with the Uni counsellor and Head of Education to discuss how I would go about it. I suddenly became excited about the prospect of learning about an area I was interested in. I dropped computing altogether but finished the arts subjects over the remainder of that year (which gave me credit for my elective subjects in the coming years). I continued working in OSHC, learning every day about the kind of educator I would become, right up until I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

When I began my first education subject all of a sudden I experienced a love of learning. I wanted to do the readings, I wanted to learn more, I was eager to tackle the assignments... because compared to what I was doing the previous year - I actually found it interesting! I was an enthusiastic student teacher and put my heart and soul into my lesson plans at various early childhood education sites.

In 2005, I was in my fourth and final year (well fifth year if you count computer science). I was starting to think ahead about where I might be able to get a job once I was finished uni. A friend's sister worked at my current school - so this was my foot in the door. I completed my final student teacher placement there, applied and successfully won the position in a Year 1 class. What a way to start my career! I already knew the school, some colleagues and felt confident and comfortable.

I've learnt a lot since then, particularly about classroom management, different strategies to encourage students to do and be their best, various programmes to successfully teach literacy and numeracy, teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and so much more.

9 years later I am still there! It's a wonderful school and next year's Year 10 students will be my first ever little class so that's really special. Part time teaching is working so well for me at this point in my life.

I'd like to finish with a piece of advice to anyone reading this who perhaps doesn't know what they want to be when they grow up. You don't have to have it all worked out straight after high school, or even in your 20s or 30s. Change is always a possibility, further study is always a possibility. We spend so many hours of our lives at work - I believe that it's important that you enjoy what you do. I could not see myself working at a computer in an office job from 9-5 which was where I would have ended up had I completed my first uni course. If you want to be a teacher - go for it! It's an amazing, rewarding and heart-warming profession.

If you're a teacher, I would love to read your story of how you got there in the comments below (or even a blog post of your own - leave me the link!)

Lauren

26 comments

  1. It's funny how our lives change through Uni. I have a degree in Psychology & French, but decided at the end I wanted to do Human Resource Management. So I went on to do a grad dip in Management, which lead to a career in the public service, which lead to me starting a Masters in Public Sector Management. Now, 21 years after I started my degree I work for myself. Now, I would never have imagined that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing your story Kara. It's funny how things work out :)

      Delete
  2. What an inspiring story Lauren. It's incredible the overwhelming sense of passion, commitment and joy that comes from finding things to study that you love.

    I'm becoming a teacher of sorts in that I'm studying and practising to become a coach and teacher to adults. My aim is to teach them to connect with and love themselves so they can live a life filled with passion and purpose - to help them find the things they love, that they want to do, that make their hearts sing. It's been a long and rocky journey for me to get where I am now but I, like you, now love the learning, the work, the connection, the experiences and the confidence that comes from finding my place in life.

    Thanks for sharing your story Lauren.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Always lovely to hear from you Sarah - it's wonderful that you have not only found your passion, but you have the ability to help others to find theirs.

      Delete
  3. What a fantastic story to read. It's interesting where we are guided and what we follow. Your story is inspirational Lauren and I am sure the children in your care are thrilled you did it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kerry, I am truely grateful that I love what I do - not everyone can say that!

      Delete
  4. It's amazing the drive to learn when something really grabs you! What a blessing working in OSHC started.
    When I was seventeen/eighteen years old I had no strong direction I wanted to take, it's such a daunting prospect - what to do for 'the rest of your life'. When I reached my mid to late twenties I knew - junior primary teaching. At the moment my days are filled up with raising (& inadvertently teaching) our own six young children, but when our youngest is at school I'll be commencing my own studies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow Hayley, I didn't realise you had a background in Junior Primary teaching as well?! I am sure your children would learn so much from you (and each other) even without realising! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Lauren, I have been a fan of your blog for a while now and I would like to say how inspiring your posts are. I have only just stumbled across this one - and it reminded me of my own story. I am also from Adelaide and have worked at an OSHC for 6 years now. I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education last year so this is my first year out of uni. I took a little longer to complete my degree because I wanted to travel, but as you said - there is no rush and I'm glad I travelled when I did. Being in my mid 20's I am finding the teaching world a bit daunting, but I have been working as a TRT for nearly 6 months and I absolutely love it :) if there is one thing I'm finding a little disheartening, it's the uncertainty of getting work. You are so lucky to have won a contract so early in your career! Anyway, thank you for sharing your story. Receptions are my favourite year level and I have already used a number of your activities :) Jess xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jessica, I'm so humbled to read this comment. I'd love to get in contact with you - do you have an email address.
      New teachers are the perfect readers for my blog and I hope you find lots of useful ideas here. Are for following me on FB and insta? Please feel free to share my blog with any of your uni or OSHC friends.
      Thanks for your lovely comment x

      Delete
    2. Oh that would be lovely. My email address is jessica.hoare@hotmail.com :) I have just started following you on Facebook (Instagram is how I found your blog). I will share it to all my friends in education. I look forward to hearing from you. X

      Delete
  6. I always like your article because you have provide every time informative post..Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Teaching is not an easy task for you because you will have to complete their study after then you will be getting teaching guidelines from professional institutes. If you are feeling hinder in becoming a teacher, I like to advise you to contact the writers of
    coursework writing services

    ReplyDelete
  8. We have depleted ourselves in bringing together a strong team of highly qualified writers who, through constructive brainstorming and introducing killing outline, serve you with best cheap essay writing service US students admire.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amazing tips for the play casinos games you just have to get situs slot online which is enjoy to play.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a great article! I'm so glad you shared your story. I'm sure it will inspire others to become teachers. Thank you for your dedication to education!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I became a teacher because I have always loved working with children. I love to see their faces light up when they learn something new. Teaching is a very rewarding profession.

    ReplyDelete

  12. Are there any specifics regarding this idea? If this is not the case, I need to operate student essay help to assemble the report I need to write my coursework, which is a report about my students' performance. I truly hope you comprehend what I'm attempting to convey and why I am gathering this data.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Teaching is one of the most straightforward methods to make an effect. To make a significant contribution to your community, being a teacher is one of your goals. There are lots of professionals teacher who run online assignment writers in Dubai and ways to have an impact and gives lesson through the assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your passion for education truly shines through your words. It's incredible to see how you overcame challenges and pursued your dream. Teaching is a noble profession, making a difference in young minds. Also, if you ever need assistance, I know numerous platforms that offer reliable assignment help. They can surely do my assignment for me efficiently. Keep up the great work, and continue inspiring others with your dedication!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Air fryer prices in Pakistan have remained relatively stable, making this convenient kitchen appliance an accessible choice for health-conscious individuals looking to enjoy guilt-free frying without breaking the bank.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hearing about your path into teaching is motivating! Finding the ideal power supply for network systems can be transformational, much like choosing the appropriate educational path. Finding the proper power supply, like the 34-0873-01 - Cisco 400-Watt Power Supply for 4003 4006 4008 Series was a crucial step in maximizing network performance and maintaining smooth operations. This is similar to my path into teaching, where I discovered my love and purpose. Just as a teacher molds a student's intellect, a dependable power source molds the dependability and effectiveness of a network.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's fascinating to see how careers can take unexpected turns. Much like how technology has evolved over the years, our professional journeys can also be full of surprises. As a teacher, I can appreciate the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, much like the ever-changing landscape of Motherboards
    in the tech world. Embracing change and new challenges is what keeps our careers exciting and fulfilling.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your journey into teaching is inspiring! It's a testament that it's never too late to pursue your passion and find your true calling. Keep making a positive impact on young minds!
    Civil Protective Order In New Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is a great all-around laptop that is perfect for students, business professionals, and anyone else who needs a powerful laptop that is also portable. This is a great choice for Mac users who are looking for a lightweight and powerful Cheap laptops for Black Friday. This is a great option for those on a budget who are looking for a well-made laptop with a long battery life.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and serving as a positive influence in students' lives propelled towards fulfilling dream of becoming a teacher. Motorcycle accident attorney

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top