ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp

Charli Ryan always knew she wanted to be a teacher. It’s a childhood dream that’s never wavered. 

“I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. From even teaching my teddy bears their ABCs in primary school,” she says. 

Charli is only in her second year of a Bachelor of Primary Education at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp (UOW) but already has a clear picture of the type of teacher she hopes to become one day.  

“Ultimately, I want my students to look back and remember me as someone who believed in them and helped them to believe in themselves,” she says.  

“I want my students to know they are always welcome into Miss Ryan’s classroom for a band-aid, a tissue, an apple for Crunch and Sip, high-five, a conversation or even just a hug.” 

World Teachers’ Day  

World Teachers’ Day* is an opportunity to recognise the 515,000 Australian teachers who make an impact in our classrooms and communities. It’s a chance for the wider community to say thank you to all the teachers who have helped us all get to where we are today.  

“One of my favourite quotes is ‘teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.’”  

“I have also been fortunate enough to be shaped, inspired and taught by some amazing teachers and mentors who have positively contributed to my decision to study a teaching degree,” Charli says.  

Studying education at UOW 

For Charli, UOW was always high on her list of dream universities. She was able to experience life on campus long before enrolling as a student, through Discovery Days, Open Days and the Future Me Program (FMP). 

The five-week program, held in Term 1 for Year 12 students, offers weekly 90-minute sessions online or at local UOW campuses to help prepare students for their future.  

“The Future Me Program enabled me to explore post-high school opportunities, form some lovely connections with other students, gain the top tips for the best coffee spots on campus, scholarship opportunities as well as learn about UOW’s Early Admission Process.” 

Now well into her degree, Charli says UOW provides the right mix between theoretical understanding and practical experience needed to thrive in the education profession. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp students have rated the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp (UOW) number one in Australia for undergraduate Teacher Education for the second year in a row, according to the Federal Government’s  (QILT).'

“Through professional placements, I’ve had the opportunity to apply theoretical learning and education theory in real classrooms, gaining confidence in lesson planning, classroom management and adapting to students’ diverse learning needs.” 

Her first placement took her back full circle to where her own learning journey began. 

“I was extremely fortunate to do my first placement, a three-week placement in Kindergarten, at my old primary school,” she says.  

“My next placement opportunity will be in Eden in November, where I will gain experience in regional teaching, thus expanding my learning and teaching knowledge.” 

The mark of a great teacher  

For Charli, effective teaching goes beyond the curriculum. It’s about connection. 

“Effective teaching is about forming strong relationships with students, families, teachers and the broader community,” she says.  

“One of my teaching mentors always tells me you cannot do everything at once but can do everything in time, reminding me that where strong relationships and connections flourish, reflective, student-centred teaching and learning exists.” 

She credits UOW’s academics for modelling that same philosophy in their classrooms. 

“All academic education staff genuinely care and are both passionate and excited about preparing us for the classroom and our future students. Their teaching goes beyond theory, modelling what great teaching looks and sounds like,” she says. 

Charli has also found that collaboration runs deep among her peers, noting a shared Google Drive packed with valuable resources that student teachers can draw upon throughout their studies. 

Advice for future teachers 

As she continues her studies, Charli remains focused on the kind of classroom she wants to create.  

“A teacher that is kind, patient, warm, encouraging, gentle and deeply invested in every child’s potential,” she says.  

“I want my classroom to be a safe, welcoming space where students feel valued, supported, empowered to share and a space where learning is filled with inspiration, joy and curiosity.” 

It’s a vision she hopes will inspire others considering the same path. 

“My advice to other students considering primary teaching is to remember that while it can be challenging, it is also an incredibly rewarding career,” she says.  

“You get to make a real difference in children’s lives.”  

“If you enjoy working with children, are patient and kind and have a passion for learning, primary teaching is one of the most fulfilling paths you can pursue."

*World Teachers’ Day is globally celebrated on 5 October each year. However, as this date typically falls within school holidays, .