Early career teachers learn their rights

Clancy Potts, The Anglican School, Googong

Clancy Potts, The Anglican School, Googong

Clancy started a law degree straight from school, even though he “always wanted to be a teacher”.

“I got some advice that being a teacher was ‘a waste’.”

But Clancy knew in his heart of hearts that teaching was for him, so he disregarded that advice, switched to education, and hasn’t looked back since.

“I can make a difference in a day that someone else might not make in their whole career. I can now say that the advice that teaching is a ‘waste’ is disgusting.

“It’s become my passion to help students who may be facing challenges. To be able to assist alleviate that burden, that’s not a waste, that’s life changing.”

Canberra is the closest large city to his school, but it is in NSW, so Clancy said it is awkward to access professional development. Coming to the IEU event was a good way to connect with people from urban areas and compare notes.

Courtney Smith, Arden Anglican School, Epping

Courtney Smith, Arden Anglican School, Epping

Courtney has wasted no time committing to unionism, she is already the IEU Rep for her school.

“There’s no point sitting on the sideline complaining. I wantto make sure I’m part of the solution,” she said.

Courtney studied zoology at university and wanted to work in conservation. However, this is a difficult field to get into, and after doing some summer camps she realised she could work with teenagers.

She said teaching biology is different from what she learnt in her degree, and all her free time goes into preparing and making decisions about school.

“I’m reading the textbook the night before I teach it to the kids. There is a lot of mental fatigue for a new teacher, and a lot of admin on top of teaching.”

Courtney said she is pleased the union is advocating formore mentoring and support for early career teachers.

“I understand there is discussion about all new teachersstarting on a .8 or a .6 load. That would be a great idea.''

Adam Wagner Trinity Catholic College Lismore

Adam Wagner Trinity Catholic College Lismore

After 10 years in engineering, Adam decided to be true to himself, and switch to teaching.

“I think I got into engineering for the wrong reasons. I did a degree in science, and it seemed like a good idea at the time,” Adam said.

“But I was always drawn into teaching roles at my firms. I started thinking about what I really valued in life when COVID hit, and I decided to pull the trigger and retrain.

“I’m maths, science and physics trained but I’m teaching maths – that’s where the need is, and I love it. Making maths enjoyable for the typical student is great.

“Linking maths to real world situations, showing a student who wants to be a tradie how Pythagoras’ Theorem can be used on the construction site – I really enjoy that.

“On the other hand, I enjoy pushing the highly academic students to achieve their best too.”

Coming from a traditional union family, Adam attended the event to educate himself about the IEU’s role in schools.

‘It’s nice to be among like-minded people and to realise you are not alone.”

The start of Adam’s career has been complicated because Trinity is operating out of the grounds of Southern Cross University following the extreme flooding experienced in Lismore last year, an extra challenge for an early career teacher.

“it’s been interesting,” he said.