TAMWORTH teachers Alexandra Brownsmith and Tamara Hatton both thought a career in the classroom was the last thing they’d end up pursuing, but a recent regional awards ceremony is proof they’re both exactly where they need to be.
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The pair were recipients of an Alan Kerr Memorial Award at a recent regional awards night, given to teachers with two to six years of service, for excellence in classroom teaching and in their contribution to school life.
Both Tamara, from Peel High, and Alexandra, who teaches Year 3 at St Edward’s Primary, say it’s a great boost for their fledgling careers, recognition that they’re “on the right track” when it comes to their teaching practices and approach. It’s not something they ever expected, though.
“It’s wonderful encouragement for everything I’ve been doing and it’s good to receive it, but I’m getting it for something I love to do – it never feels like work,” Tamara said.
She has been at Peel High for five years, a graduate of the University of New England, and now fills the role of head teacher administration, quite a promotion for someone so new to the profession.
But it could all have been so different – Tamara started a law degree at UNE and also studied Japanese, before deciding it wasn’t for her and switching to education, something she’d never considered.
She completed her Japanese studies at UNE and now combines her head teacher duties with teaching the language to not only Peel students, but also youngsters at a number of primary schools around the area.
Tamara, 27, also organises the school’s homework centre, the Transition to High School program and runs excursions to Japan for language students.
Alexandra, like her high school colleague, also revels in the out-of-classroom pursuits, taking on a number of the school’s sporting teams and the sustainability and gardening activities.
And, like Tamara, her job is never a chore.
“It’s been the best decision of my life and I’ve never looked back. Teaching is it for me,” Alexandra said.
Until her final years in high school, though, teaching was the furthest thing from her mind, with her efforts firmly focused on physiotherapy.
She was coaching a young netball team at the time and found it increasingly satisfying.
She loved seeing the improvement in the kids and how her efforts were helping make a difference.
And that’s what’s still inspiring Alexandra.
“Every day is different – there are days that challenge you and then days that are so great ... and the improvement in the children is what makes it worthwhile.”
