What inspired you to pursue teaching, and what do you find most rewarding about working in education?
All I knew after finishing High School in Grafton was that I wanted to study at Sydney University. My first choice was physiotherapy; however, my HSC mark was shy of the required 99 to get in. So, I thought I would study Human Movement and Health Education and transfer to physio after a year. In that first year, I did a 2-week practicum teaching placement, absolutely loved it, and have never looked back. Teaching was for me.
I find the daily connections and the responsibility entrusted to us in helping shape young humans the most rewarding part of education.
Tell us a bit about your journey - what led you to teach at Oxley?
After completing my Bachelor of Education at Syd Uni I started teaching full time at the school I completed my first teaching practicum – International Grammar School in Ultimo, Sydney. While there, I met my future wife, Natasha, and followed her to New York City, where she studied Psychology at NYU. I worked at The United Nations International School on the east side of Manhattan Island. We then moved to San Francisco, where my wife did her doctorate and I taught at Marin Country Day School.
Looking to be closer to our family and start our own, we moved back to Sydney, and I resumed working at International Grammar School. Then COVID hit and my wife moved her growing psychology practice to be exclusively online, giving us the freedom to move wherever we wanted. On a bit of a whim, we bought a house in Burradoo and moved down in mid-2020. After a few months of casual teaching at a number of local high schools, it became clear that Oxley was at the top of my list as both a staff member and a parent. The values and educational philosophy really spoke to me. When an opportunity came up to teach PDHPE and Science, I jumped at it.
What do you hope students remember most about their time in your classroom?
That they enjoyed themselves and they learnt something.
When you're not at school, what are some things you love doing or exploring?
I love playing and watching sport, in particular basketball. I have enjoyed playing at a high level for most of my life, these days however, I am finding myself on the sideline coaching more often than playing. I also love spending time with my wife and 3 kids. Whether it’s playing cards, skiing the slopes or taking long road trips, I value it all.
What's your favourite thing about the Southern Highlands?
The space! Space to move, space to explore, space to play sport, space to not have to deal with traffic on a daily basis. I LOVE it. It has truly been the best move my wife and I have made. We feel very thankful and truly blessed that we have this beautiful environment and amazing community around us.
