Teachers in focus

At Pymble, we inspire the next generation of young women to propel themselves into fulfilling careers and lives. The foundation for this begins in the classroom, via access to a remarkable 70 subjects.

The College understands our girls aren’t a one-size-fits-all style cohort and offers an incredibly broad range of subjects, both curricular and co-curricular, for our students to find their niche and thrive. At the heart of this world-class learning environment are our beloved teachers. Passionate and exceptionally talented, Pymble’s teaching staff are always looking for new ways to inspire our girls to unlock their greatest potential. Their love of teaching and dedication to what is not simply ‘a job’ to them is unsurpassed. In 2020 / 21, Australia saw online learning become the norm, and in turn, our Pymble community saw just how much we value our teaching staff. And so, as we celebrate our education leaders, we ask them where they find their inspiration...

Ms Lara Bird

Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning and Curriculum Teaching for eight years

I’m inspired by... The teachers at Pymble with their professionalism, care and dedication in developing creative and engaging teaching activities for our girls which empowers them to question and think creatively, critically and independently.

Mrs Carolyn Burgess

Director of Boarding Teaching for 33 years

I’m inspired by… Shall I say, the more ‘mature’ teachers here at Pymble. Even after many, many years of teaching, their enthusiasm for their subject areas is bottomless, their expertise astounding, and they are tireless in seeking out and providing the very best opportunities for every one of their students.

Ms Salina Bussien

Head of Learning Area – Modern and Classical Languages Teaching for 22 years

I love teaching because... Languages have the power to unlock each student's thinking potential and intercultural understanding, and by doing so, shapes them into becoming kind critical thinkers.

Miss Georgie Cain

Experiential Educator Teaching for 12 years

I’m inspired by… The beauty and diversity of our natural world both here in Australia and globally and the cultural abundance within it. It ignites my passion to help students explore their world, connect with nature and each other and learn from their experiences.

Mr Stuart Clark

Director of Vision Valley Teaching for 26 years

I’m inspired by… Seeing learners push their comfort zones and develop skill sets, knowledge and experience which benefits and strengthens them.

Mrs Alison Cruz

Head of Learning Area – PDHPE Teaching for 17 years

I teach because... It brings me joy. I am passionate about my subject area and enjoy the ability that teaching provides me to help shape the lives of young people and empower them to contribute to a better future. It is extremely fulfilling!

Mr Grant Jackson

Agriculture Co-ordinator Teaching for… many years!

I’m inspired by… The satisfaction I get from my students. The girls at Pymble are wonderful young women who work hard to achieve their personal goals which gives me a great deal of satisfaction as a teacher, inspiring me to do what I can to facilitate their journey.

Ms Joanne Lee

Mathematics Teacher Teaching for five years

I’m inspired by... The wonderful teachers that surround me and their passion for teaching.

Mr Matt Peacock

Legal Studies Co-ordinator and Legal Studies Teacher Teaching for 36 years

I am inspired by... The girls' passion and interest in learning. It is not unusual to hear from past students and hear how things in their careers remind them of our lessons.

Mrs Amanda Reynolds

Head of Learning Area – English Teaching for a very long time

I’m inspired by… Not by a single person but by many. By my family who are a reminder of the difference you can make when you follow your dreams. They too, are my constant reminder to exist in the present and of how precious life is. By the trail blazers who have come before whose ambition is for compassion, equality and fairness. And by watching in awe the students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching go on to achieve great things.

Mr Kurt Schweinberger

Head of Co-Curricular Music Teaching for 15 years

I teach because... As Oscar Hammerstein II says, "If you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught".

Dr Kristie Spence

Head of Learning Area – Science Teaching for 15 years

I’m inspired by… The chance we have as teachers to design learning experiences that allow our students to develop deep skills – those skills that are valuable for life – analysing data, identifying patterns, or testing new ideas. Seeing a student grow by staying with a problem is also so rewarding. When they come out the other side, they have more confidence and can better recognise their capacity to solve problems for themselves.

Mr Matthew Tyson

Head of Sport K-6 Teaching for 14 Years

I teach because... I love watching students build a love of sport. Watching the confidence that develops from overcoming challenges and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to learn new skills.