Mark Norberry

The Educator Rising Stars National Award 2023! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition for your work as an educator?

Thank you, I feel truly humbled to have received the award. I know so many other educators that work so hard and to be recognised amongst them is really such an honour.

What do you think are the main reasons you have been recognised for this award?

That's a hard one to answer! Looking at it objectively for me is quite difficult as I find it's all just part of the job. Over the last 24 months I have been coordinating the implementation and rollout of our Online Learning Management System. I have also been involved with the setting up of our Innovations Hub at Bishop Druitt College and have been using our brand-new VR lab to engage students in our Kaizen program and facilitate it’s integration and use in High School subjects. My achievements in our sports programs are a standout for me. Last year I was lucky enough to coach an amazing U15 Girls Football (Soccer) team to the top 16 in the nation in the Bill Turner Trophy. I’m also responsible for convening the Combined Independent Schools Girls Football tournament.

As a Rising Star in the field of education, what specific teaching methods do you implement and what do you hope to achieve or contribute to the education community in the future? My ongoing focus in the world of education is to help support the holistic development of my students, and as such my practice is strongly built around wellbeing and engagement. I find students never achieve their best if they are not comfortable in the classroom and for me that means that I need to build authentic connections with the students, getting to know their interests beyond the science lab. My aim is to be a mentor and someone that a student can rely on not only to teach them to pass their science test, but to come to and develop better learning habits from and provide wellbeing when they need it. Further to this I wish to continue developing engaging and entertaining lessons that involve the latest technology. In the long term I would like to explore a leadership role involving student wellbeing which is definitely my passion area.

My aim is to be a mentor and someone that a student can rely on not only to teach them to pass their science test but to come to, and develop better learning habits...

What message or advice do you have for early career teachers who aspire to be recognised as Rising Stars in the field of education? Follow your passions, get involved with the sports team, chess club, mentoring group and put your hand up to be involved in implementing new things at your school, but also find balance! And pick the brains of your amazing colleagues…

What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? You can follow what is happening daily at Bishop Druitt College through our Facebook (@bdccoffs) and Instagram (@bishopdruittcollege) accounts. Of course, you can contact me via email Mark Norberry mnorberry@bdc.nsw.edu.au