Job: Principal at The Illawarra Grammar School in Wollongong, NSW.

What do you like most about the job?
I love the purpose of my profession, the connection between head and heart and the interactions between data, theory, curriculum, and wellbeing; it is wonderfully diverse, and it is all about people. I am a Christian and my personal values align beautifully with the purpose and activity of teaching and leading a school – the emphasis on the value of others and service is a fantastic expression of my personal faith.

What was the most unexpected thing you have had to do in your job?
Drive a removalist truck between campuses to shift into new buildings. I wasn’t expecting that, but it was not a problem – my dad was a bus driver, so he was a pretty demanding driving instructor.

What is the worst thing you have had to do?
The most difficult times in my role have been in supporting our community through tragedies. In times of great loss, the principal has a key role in stepping into the role of caring for the community as well as managing and assisting with practical considerations. It is very challenging but also a privilege.

How have you adapted to the challenges you faced during the pandemic?
I have learnt to be less focused on planning too far into the future and to be more comfortable with change. Also, to accept that great measures of flexibility, creativity and grace are required in an environment of such uncertainty.

How transferable are your skills?
Highly. In essence, I operate as a CEO of a significant employer and service provider in the region. I have skills in finance, HR, strategic planning, educational leadership, pedagogy, curriculum development, risk management, childcare, and wellbeing. Add to that property and facility campus planning, capacity building and coaching.

What advice do you have for people wanting a career in education?
If you want to work successfully in schools you firstly must like and enjoy the company of young people. You need to get a buzz as they achieve and grow; you need to be prepared to hear and be involved in the personal lives of families; and then you need to do all of this professionally and with appropriate boundaries. You need to love your subject but be committed to the individual children in your classes, and you need to want to be part of a team that cares for young people.

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What personal skills do people need in teaching?
Great teachers are observant and insightful. They are creative, innovative and prepared to change to meet the needs of their students. They are team players who are energised by the success of others. They are good followers but also able to provide alternate viewpoints and suggest ideas and better ways. Great teachers are full of energy and open to being learners themselves. Resilience is important because the work can be hard; patience is helpful because there will be frustration. Most importantly, a successful and satisfying career in education must be underpinned by real care for young people and an unswerving confidence in their worth and capacity to take their place as adult leaders in the future.