NICOLA CASSIDY 24, from Scotland
What made you decide to teach in Australia? I have always wanted to broaden my experiences across different countries and nationalities.
How did you land your job? Through the assistance of an agency. I registered as a supply teacher. It’s great – they ring daily to offer work.
And what exactly is it that you do now? I’m a primary teaching in a variety of schools across Sydney.
How does teaching in Australia compare to teaching in the UK? The curriculum is quite similar so it has been easy to adapt. Australian schools include a lot more sport than what us Scots do! Each school I have taught in so far has been very multicultural and it has been great to see all backgrounds and religions are included in the daily teachings.
How long do you plan to teach in Australia for? I have been teaching for the past five months, which has been great. I have one month left to go as I’m on a Working Holiday Visa.
Where have you worked so far? Over the last five months, I’m pretty sure I have covered every school in Sydney, especially the western suburbs. During term breaks I have worked in Child Care & Vacation Care, which was a lot of fun. I will now travel for the next couple of weeks before I head back home to Scotland.
Want to share you best teaching experience? Being made to feel so welcome in the school I was teaching in, being introduced by the principal to all the teaching staff and students. Having the students beg for you to come back the next day, because to them, you’re the best teacher.
Do you have bad days? Every day is different and can present its challenges, but being able to adapt and think on your feet and get through the day is all you can do – it’s just for one day after all.
What advice do you have for other teachers? Be optimistic; make sure you have resources ready to go to build an emergency teaching folder. Keep positive, every day is a new day, and register with Select Education. They are fantastic.
Why would you recommend your job to others? There is always something new and challenging, you meet new people with different backgrounds, and you can travel the world with teaching qualifications. You impart knowledge and make a difference to young people’s lives.
