What does it take to be a teacher?

Special education professionals are currently in high-demand.

RMIT Bachelor of Education (Disability Studies) alumnus Courtney Fletcher-Jordan was inspired by her mother to take up education studies with a disabilities specialisation. 

“On a normal morning, I wake up at 5.55, shower, leave for work at 6.30 and arrive by 7.15. I usually have my breakfast while working on the computer. 

“The mornings are always full of odd jobs such as marking board visuals and entering notes for our weekly case conference.

“I print off students’ everyday worksheets and set the room up – this includes setting up a visual timetable and taking down chairs.

“The students arrive between 8.50 and 9.30 and participate in morning exercise. Each day there is a different program, for example, skipping, Zumba, dance-club and yoga. 

"After their exercise they will bring their chairs to the front of the room for morning circle; this is where students talk about what we are doing for the day. 

“We also encourage them to ask each other questions and engage in conversation.

“I have three hours of yard duties and three hours of allocated planning time a week. I generally don’t have a break, as there are always things to be done like sweeping the floor and wiping tables, among other commitments. There is always something to do!

“While the students get to go home at 3pm, I work in the computer rooms, usually until 5.00pm, finishing off my to-do list and preparing for the following day.

“Although my schedule is pretty packed, seeing the students achieve their goals is the main reason why I am in this profession. This career is infinitely rewarding, and it is what motivates me to go to work every day.”

Story:  Courtney Johnson