World Teachers' Day - celebrating the NSW teachers who help students thrive now and beyond. Taylor Mahoney reports.
In the lead up to World Teachers' Day in NSW on Friday 27 October, join us in recognising the outstanding work of teachers across the state.
Ben Poidevin from Shell Cove Public School says he was destined to teach and now, just 5 years into his teaching career, is already having an impact on his students and school community.
After graduating university in 2018 Ben, 28 years, began casually teaching in mainstream classes and support units.
By 2019 he was ready and prepped to teach his first full-time class.
"I thoroughly enjoyed challenging myself to meet the variety of needs that sat within my Stage 1 composite class", Ben says.
Since 2020 Ben has been teaching Year 1 students at Shell Cove Public School which educates around 495 students a year.
Ben celebrates the diversity of the school's community and the work the school staff do daily to create inclusive environments for everyone "as well as educate others authentically about inclusivity", he adds.
From his early days of teacher training to now, Ben says his passion has been for Aboriginal Education.
"Being able to express authentic links to the curriculum makes for deeper learning as well as teaching practices", Ben says.
Now in a leadership role on the school's Aboriginal Education Committee, Ben is supporting staff at the school to learn more about Aboriginal Education, language and culture.
He has also become an active member of his local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), collaborating closely with Elders and a local Aboriginal Education Organisation to develop various resources.
Recognising the need for accessible Dharawal language resources for teachers and schools in the area, he collaborated with a local Elder to enhance existing materials, facilitating greater comfort and confidence in their utilisation by school staff.
"One significant initiative involved revitalising the Language, Art, and Dance program to align it with curriculum standards, spanning across Early Stage 1 to Stage 3", Ben explained.
Since then, the resource has been widely shared across Ben's local school community, reaching preschools, primary schools and high schools, supporting the integration of Dharawal language in their respective settings.
When asked what he hopes students take away from his teaching, Ben says teachers have the chance to instil a love of learning.
"I hope to sow a seed that gives young people an appreciation for their lifelong journey of acquiring knowledge and skills. I aim to nurture an understanding that everyone progresses at their unique pace, by promoting a growth mindset."
"Ultimately, I hope that my teaching fosters a sense of self-confidence and empowerment, where students not only grasp the significance of learning but also appreciate their own unique abilities and the diverse talents within our learning community."
Ben adds that while academic success is undoubtedly important, he firmly believes that "success" in teaching extends beyond test scores and grades.
"It encompasses personal growth, character development and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations."
"Teaching is about supporting the whole child, shaping them into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally resilient, socially aware, and morally grounded", Ben says.
Ben often receives positive feedback from colleagues, parents and students. Students who can recall meaningful lessons, share stories of the positive impact Ben's lessons have had on them - and parents who highlight the positive change in their child thanks to the way Ben nurtures each student.
Ben says that teaching is a commitment to helping students discover their passions, strengths and unique potential, recognising that each student's journey is distinct.
"Ultimately, teaching means equipping young minds with the skills, knowledge and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute positively to society."
"I want my legacy as a teacher to be one of compassion, integrity and the belief that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing the hearts and minds of the next generation."
Celebrate a teacher in your local community by adding them to the NSW teaching gems map.
