TEACHER FEATURE
Junior School | Tracey O’Shea
Middle School | Jenny Sullivan
Senior School | Courtney Ellis
How long have you been employed at Scotch?
How long have you been employed at Scotch?
How long have you been employed at Scotch?
I started working in Scotch at the beginning of the academic year 2018. This will be my sixth year of teaching.
12 years
2 years
What do you teach?
What do you teach? Commerce (Business Management and Economics) and Humanities.
I teach the Pre-Primary students in the Early Childhood Centre.
I am the Music Coordinator in the Middle School and I also teach music in the ELC. Over the years I have also taught students in the Junior School and Senior School.
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?
The journey of learning, the opportunity I get to guide students as they develop their foundations of learning. As an Early Childhood Teacher, I have the opportunity to join children as they navigate their way through new concepts and wonderings. I love the curiosity and questioning presented by young children and I believe the most rewarding attribute of teaching is the journey of research and discovery which you embark on with each student. It is fulfilling to know that you are a small footprint in their education pathway.
I find that the relationships you form with the boys is the most fulfilling part of teaching. It is so special being able to meet the boys at a young age and watch them mature into such wonderful young men. Being part of that journey is a really magical thing.
From previous workplaces, what does Scotch do differently?
What interests do you have outside of Scotch?
What do you teach?
Scotch celebrates and embraces its strong traditions. It creates a true sense of belonging and community among its members. The IB programmes practised in the school demonstrates the school’s positive and active approach focusing on the whole child both in the classroom and the outside world. The inquiry approach gives students the opportunity to investigate and explore concepts through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
From previous workplaces, what does Scotch do differently? Scotch has a strong sense of community and unique and wonderful traditions. There are also so many incredible opportunities that are available to the boys.
I am a mother to two gorgeous boys which keeps me very busy. I enjoy travelling as well as spending time with family and friends. My passion is painting and I try and complete a canvas each school holiday break.
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching? It sounds silly, but my favourite part of teaching is walking down the corridors and having a boy say hello and smile. Or stopping for a quick chat. I’m easily pleased! From previous workplaces, what does Scotch do differently? Firstly, Scotch boys tend to say ‘thank you’ when they leave the classroom. This hasn’t happened at any other school. There is also a great opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities. I’ve enjoyed my time as a debating coach, hockey manager and tennis coach. I’ve also had much more opportunity to engage in Professional Development courses while working at Scotch. What interests do you have outside of Scotch? I am currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Psychology through Distance Education which keeps me very busy. I love to travel and just recently visited 20 countries on a world trip. That was a pretty life changing experience, but it also made me appreciate how lucky we are to live in WA. As my husband and I recently bought a house I’m currently enjoying interior decorating and baking in my new kitchen.
What interests do you have outside of Scotch? I love spending time with my family and enjoying the great outdoors. I thoroughly enjoy walking; when I am not in the classroom I love to go for long walks along the river taking in Perth’s beautiful scenery.
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