Feature the Teacher is all about recognising the amazing efforts Wagga teachers are contributing everyday to the growth and development of students.
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This week we’re showcasing a preschool teacher from Bimbi Preschool, who has been in this business for about 10 years.
Name: Tiffany Shackleton.
Preschool: Bimbi Preschool, behind Red Hill Public School.
Years: four year olds.
1. Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I always liked working with children and working across preschools and primary schools and I really enjoyed interacting with the children and doing relationships and meeting all the children and the families.
I felt preschool was the best place to do that, it was just a little bit more flexible in the curriculum and I could really get to know the children and build those relationships.
2. What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in the classroom?
I think when you work with four year olds, you don’t get embarrassed.
They don’t really know embarrassment, so I sing, I dance and I act all day and I don’t get embarrassed in front of children.
3. What do you love most about your job?
Spending time with the children and getting to know them.
4. What’s the funniest question a student has ever asked you?
I get asked a lot about where I sleep, I think they assume that I sleep here and live here at school.
So I have to explain to them that I am a person who lives in my own house.
5. What’s the biggest change you’ve witnessed in your career?
I’ve probably witnessed the opposite to change, like I think I expect change or we’re always told about changes but the children’s interests still remain stable.
They still love pretend playing, they still love dressing-up and playing with baby dolls; so even though the world is changing around them, the children’s interests are always quite stable.
6. What’s your secret to controlling an unruly class?
It all comes back to relationships, so if I respect them, they will respect me and we can work together.
7. Who’s harder to keep in line – parents or children?
*Whispers* – I’d say parents!
8. How has technology transformed the role of a teacher?
Accessing resources is a lot easier, but also there’s more things that teachers need to be more aware of, particularly what the students are interacting with as there is a lot more choices out there for them.
If you have a stand-out teacher that you think would be great to interview and feature, please email: jessica.whitty@fairfaxmedia.com.au
