Teachers inspire, support, and empower our children and young people every day. World Teachers Day on October 31 is a chance to officially thank these wonderful educators.
We had a chat with Carinity Education Rockhampton teacher, Cheryl Hendry, about what she most enjoys about supporting students at our school.
What drew you to work in a special assistance school?
After 40 years of working in the mainstream education system I decided to retire and spend time supporting my three grandchildren who were born hearing impaired. For the next few years I dedicated myself to supporting them within the independent school education system.
The time I spent in the classroom with them showed me how difficult it is for students who need additional assistance in a regular classroom, to be successful. So when I saw an advertisement calling for teachers at Carinity Education, I was interested in how the school operated. I applied for a position and have been working casually at the school for almost five years now, while still supporting my grandchildren at home.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching is being able to share with young people the joy of learning. Being a lifelong learner is, I believe, something that shapes our lives in a positive way.
What’s one memorable moment from your time in the classroom?
My most memorable moments as a teacher has been outside of the classroom. A young man whom I had always encouraged to pursue higher learning, decided to opt out of school at Year 11. A year later he had a car accident and was forced to lie on his back in hospital for a long time. He told me that this gave him time for serious reflection.
When recovered, he enrolled at a university and afterwards secured a job working in the medical field selling prosthetic appliances, and overseeing their implementation in hospital theatres.
He took the time a few years back to seek me out and tell me of where his life had led him and thanked me for what I had done for him. “You always believed in me,” he said, “and that is what kept me going.” That was a crystal moment for me.
Another time a student came back to school to tell me that he finally ‘got’ what I was talking about with the wisdom to be found in Shakespeare’s plays. He thanked me for that. That was important to me.
What’s a fun fact your students might not know about you?
Something about me that my students would find somewhat unusual about me would be that I love eating homegrown and cooked chicken soup – complete with the legs and feet.
If you could describe your teaching in three words, what would they be?
I’d say my teaching style would be succinctly described as : Inspire…Model…Grow