June 2023

Perspectives of growth: A reflection from an early career teacher Ms Maddison Mair, Health and Physical Education Teacher

Embarking on my journey as a graduate teacher has been a transformative experience filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable growth. As I reflect on my time in the classroom, I am humbled by the profound impact it has had on both my students and me. In this reflection, I aim to share my personal insights, lessons learned, and the overwhelming joy that comes from being an educator. My first experience within school began with my own journey as a student, at an all-girls’ private school in Brisbane. I then made the move to begin my studies in a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University in Townsville, where I was afforded many opportunities as a pre-service teacher. Through my practicum, I was able to experience life as a teacher in four different schools. In terms of character, size, diversity, and socio-economic demography, these schools were very different from the school I attended as a student. These experiences ultimately taught me—as both a teacher and as a human being—invaluable lessons. In these educational settings, I was able to better develop a sense of empathy, adaptability, and commitment to each of my students. Through reflecting on my journey my biggest learnings include classroom management, monitoring student progress, and overcoming challenges. Classroom management By establishing clear expectations, consistent routines, and fostering open communication, I was able to effectively manage behaviour and promote an environment based on mutual respect. Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment is paramount to the success of my students’ academic and personal growth. By establishing a safe and supportive space, students feel comfortable collaborating with their peers and myself. They, and I, become free to make mistakes and grow from the experience. Monitoring student progress Assessing and monitoring my students’ progress was instrumental in tailoring instruction to their individual needs. Employing various assessment methods, including formative

and summative assessments, allowed me to gather valuable feedback and track their growth. By identifying areas where students struggled, I was able to provide targeted support and develop personalised learning strategies, ultimately helping them reach their full potential. Overcoming challenges The path of a teacher is not without its obstacles. I faced numerous challenges along the way throughout my pre service teaching, with everything from classroom management difficulties through to having to navigate complex student dynamics. Undoubtedly, each challenge was an opportunity for growth. I learned to adapt, seek support from mentors and colleagues, and approach obstacles with resilience and determination. These experiences taught me the importance of embracing challenges for personal and professional development. The pre-service experience can only prepare you so much for the realities of a full-time teaching load, and for the realisation that the students in the class are ‘yours’. Fast forward to my time now as a beginning teacher at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and it feels, at once, both familiar and different. Time is moving quickly, and in many ways it feels like I’ve learned just as much over Term 1 and 2 as I did throughout my entire pre-service experience. At this point, neither is more valuable than the other. I can bring the experience from my pre-service teaching and combine it with the grounded and ever-evolving teaching and learning I’ve experienced at Girls Grammar so far this year. I have taken a keen interest in Cultures of Thinking. The ‘Eight Cultural Forces’ provide a useful reflection tool that has enhanced my classroom practice. Engaging with, and applying the practices of Cultures of Thinking to create a classroom where individual thinking is valued, visible, and actively promoted, is the bridge that will join the ‘pre-service past’ to the ‘teaching and learning present’.

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School