Teachers Have a Positive Influence in the Life of Your Child
- intouch Magazine
- Jul 1, 2019
- 2 min read
Nicholas Redgrove is just one teacher in the 57 schools in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle who started his career as a casual teacher and who, in only his third year of temporary block teaching, became a permanent full-time teacher.
He has now been a full-time teacher for the past five years. We caught up with Nicholas ahead of this month’s School Holidays to find out what it’s like working as a teacher in the Diocese.
Why do you like working within the network of Catholic schools in the Hunter-Manning region? Each school I have worked in has openly welcomed me into their school community. The members of these communities – and especially the teachers – go above and beyond to meet the needs of every child that enters their school. So, working in our schools, I have found that you aren't just going to work, but you are going to spend your day with your second family.
What have been your opportunities for advancement to date in Catholic schools? After two years of full time-temporary teaching, I was provided with an experienced mentor teacher to help me complete my journey to becoming a ‘proficient level teacher’ as outlined by NESA.
This process was a brilliant learning curve, and the process was very smooth thanks to the staff who were provided to help me. The schools have also enabled me to capture many professional development opportunities not only in the Hunter-Manning region but also throughout NSW. This has helped me to develop even further.
What have been the highlights of your career to date? First, I was lucky enough to be appointed as a full-time teacher at St Aloysius Primary School in Chisholm in its second year after the school opened. To be a part of the team that was able to build, and which is continuing to build, a great school community is one I will cherish for the rest of my career.
Second, it was great to be nominated by parents of students at our school for an ASG National Excellence in Teaching award. That said, it is not the accolades I find rewarding but more the realisation just how much of a positive influence you as a teacher can have over a child’s life.
The main highlight, therefore, is something that happens at the end of every school year – the amazing words of thanks and appreciation you receive from parents for the difference they say you have made in the life of their child.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is seeking casual teachers to work across its network of 57 schools in the Hunter-Manning region. For more information call Rabecca on 4979 1230.
