This week we’re showcasing Mrs Paula Hounsell, the grade two and three teacher at Kapooka Public School. 

Name: Paula Hounsell 

School: Kapooka Public School 

Grades and subjects taught: Primary school teacher for grade 2 and 3. 

1. Why did you become a teacher?

I worked in early childhood for years and the next logical step for me was to move into primary school teaching. I love my job! 

2. What’s the best or worst excuse a student has ever given for not doing their homework?

My mum forgot to remind me. 

3. What do you love most about your job? 

The students and when they have that light bulb moment – grasping new learning. 

4. How has technology transformed the roles of the teacher? 

Students are engaged when using technology. As educators we need to facilitate learning for students in the 21^st century.

My students are developing ownership of their learning, knowing what to do when they know what to do; perseverance and the ability to learn collaboratively. All the skills required to be life-long learners. 

In our class we use Google classroom to present and share our learning.

We also use ClassDojo, where the students share their learning online with their parents.

​5. What’s the biggest change you’ve witnessed during your teaching career? 

There’s constant change. Updating all the syllabuses. 

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

Definitely the parents! However, at Kapooka we have very supportive parents. 

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

ClassDojo rewards – the students gain points for positive behaviour and then this goes towards our school rewards program. 

8. What’s the one subject you would never want to teach? 

As a primary school teacher we have to teach everything! 

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