It probably comes as no surprise that I love teaching and learning. As educators we are in such a privileged position, working with young people who are inspiring in so many ways.  Throughout my teaching career I have often been asked, "Why did you become a teacher"? Quickly followed by "What do you teach"? When I respond, "I teach young people", the reaction is frequently one of confusion. 

I assume that what the person is expecting is that my answer will be subject related. Of course, all teachers are experts in their field and have spent many years mastering their discipline. Yet, for me teaching is much more than my knowledge of (in my case) English Literature and extends far outside the boundaries of the traditional classroom; to provide young people with authentic real-life experiences. Research has shown that what distinguishes ‘good’ teachers from ‘great’ teachers, ‘good’ schools from ‘great’ schools is the ability to maximise every opportunity to increase learning growth; to tap into the passions that intrinsically motivate a love of learning.

One of the greatest joys of being a teacher, is that you are continuously evolving as you learn with your students.

At Ivanhoe Girls’, learning continues to be informed by global best practice. Considerable time is spent sharing ideas and developing a community of practice that is driven by collective and self-efficacy. 

We strive for our students to be challenged and engaged in their learning. We ask them to think deeply about real life problems. And we proudly aspire for our girls to speak for themselves. As a profession there has been robust discussion around what successful learning looks like in the twenty-first century, and with this has come a significant shift towards the value placed on soft skills such as: creativity, emotional intelligence, and collaboration.

My belief is that schools are places in which students must be encouraged to be themselves, to develop their creativity, personal identity and to understand themselves and each other. 

A love of learning, the pursuit of happiness, caring for others and their environment, and understanding their place in the world as global citizens are cornerstones of a successful and contributing adulthood. So, for me the answer to why I became a teacher is simple. To teach our young people to cherish what it means to be fully human, to love learning, to be connected and feel a strong sense of community.

Louisa Scerri
Director of Learning and Innovation