Staff in the Spotlight
With so many staff joining our team this year, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know our new teachers in a fun way. Each week we will be spotlighting a new staff member and sharing with you all sorts of fun and interesting stories about who they are and most importantly, why they became a teacher and what they love most about teaching!
This week we are spotlighting Sam Wills. Sam is one of the graduates who joined our staff last year while he was still at University. This year is his first year of teaching and we are impressed with how well he is settling in and getting to know his students.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my first year teaching.
What school/University or organisation have you come from?
University of Melbourne
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I started teaching karate when I was 13 and continued to develop my teaching skills over the years. When I finished my undergrad and didn't feel compelled to enter the industry, I decided to get my Masters in teaching.
What do you love most about teaching?
It's a cliché, but its a cliché for a reason - whenever students have that lightbulb 'a-ha' moment after you've explained a new concept or skill, that makes teaching worth it.
What are three things you would like your students to know about you?
1. That I'm a person, just like they are.
2.They are welcome to talk to me about anything.
3. I'll put in the extra effort for them if they put in the extra effort too.
What has been one of your best teaching moments?
When I had my first Year 11 Business Management class while on placement here, the lesson went so well that when the bell went for recess, nobody moved and continued to finish off the practice task I'd given them - for a student teacher at the time, I was pretty happy with that!
Where's your favourite holiday destination?
Blairgowrie
What tv show/series did you last binge watch?
Currently re-watching Arrested Development for the something-th time.
If you could have 3 people for dinner (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
David Bowie, David Lynch and Nick Cave - these three are personally a holy trinity of art and spirit. I would love to discuss how their respective artforms speak to the soul of humanity.
What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?
It'll be over quicker than you think, so don't waste your time.