This week we’re showcasing a preschool teacher from Charles Sturt University Children’s Centre.   

Name: Deonie Rodham

Preschool: CSU Children’s Centre 

Grades: three to five year olds. 

1. Why did you become a preschool teacher? 

After working in the industry for eight years I loved working with young children. It’s a rewarding profession as I can observe children developing and achieving milestones at their own pace. 

I was inspired to complete my diploma in early childhood teaching, which provided me with a further understanding of how to further support and challenge children’s learning through play based experiences and prepare them as they transition to school. 

2. What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in the classroom? 

Whilst dancing around the room with the children, I tripped and landed on the floor. Some of the children stopped and asked if I was OK or wanted to know what happened, while some other children were oblivious and continued dancing. 

3. What do you love most about your job? 

I love being a teacher as no two days are the same. Young children are so giving, willing to learn, always so happy and love to share. I have learnt so much from our families and the children I have taught over the years. When the children achieve something and their eyes light up with excitement it truly makes my day. No matter what I put into my teaching, I get it back in tenfold.

4. What’s the biggest change you’ve witnessed in your career? 

Our curriculum and standards have changed several times since I have started in the industry and documentation has increased. 

Parent expectations have evolved and slowly society is seeing us more in a professional way, which we are becoming recognised in the same way as a preschool for delivering a professional and educational program for young children. 

I think the biggest change is that early childhood teachers are being accreditelEd to ensure quality and practice are delivered in early childhood settings. 

5. What’s your secret to controlling an unruly class? 

I can’t say I’ve ever had an unruly class. Young children are so willing to learn and extend on their understanding of the world in which they live, they are mostly engaging and settled. Young children are easily redirected or distracted before their behaviour becomes unruly. 

6. How has technology transformed the role of a teacher? 

We rely on technology so much more than we used to. A lot of our documentation is completed using an online program. It’s a useful tool that enables teachers to find the answer to children’s questions quickly and keeps us in touch with the practices not only in Australia and around the world. 

7. Who’s harder to keep in line – parents or children? 

I don’t believe either and I believe the parents and children of our centre are fantastic. The parents are supportive and even teach me things about their children and family backgrounds. The children always make you smile and really do make my job worthwhile. Yes there are issues that arise, but being able to communicate with families or with children is all part of being a teacher. 

If you have a stand-out teacher that you think would be great to interview and feature, please email: jessica.whitty@fairfaxmedia.com.au