Changing the way teachers see the world

The NSW government’s innovative opening up of western Sydney schools to trainee teachers to demystify the stigma around public education is the sort of blue-sky thinking that can change ordinary lives.

Herald education reporter Emily Kowal has tracked some of the 50 university students attending schools with teacher shortages and complex needs where teachers’ roles go far beyond the curriculum.

Kingswood High maths teacher Natalie Benson said some high schoolers, for diverse reasons, did not value education. “It’s our job to work with that,” she said. “You have to show you care; we have to adapt our lessons to be worthy of them. You can’t just give them something and expect it to work. Meet them where they are at.”

One student teacher, Saajidah Reijerink, said her week-long placement helped shed preconceptions about teaching in so-called “deficit” areas. “Kids who don’t receive love at home will come to school to receive it … creating an environment in which kids feel supported and accepted will then support them to do better academically and to thrive here,” she said.