Celebrating 55 Years of Service: Alan Buckingham

Lara Secondary College is proud to celebrate the remarkable career of Alan Buckingham who was recently recognised for 55 years of service to public education in Victoria. Alan was one of just 11 teachers honoured at a special recognition event held on Sunday 24 May in the Grand Ballroom at Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

Alan's journey in education began in 1969 when he commenced a studentship while completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Diploma of Education. As part of his training, he worked in schools throughout Melbourne's western suburbs, learning the craft of teaching before beginning his first full-time role in 1972 at Bairnsdale Secondary College.

Over eight years in Bairnsdale, Alan taught Accounting and Economics and became Head of the Commerce Faculty. He introduced a secretarial studies course for senior students and adults, helping many young women develop valuable shorthand and typing skills that led directly to employment opportunities in local businesses. During this time, he was also a passionate football coach, a strong supporter of the Australian Education Union, and served as the local AEU President. It was also in Bairnsdale that Alan and his wife welcomed their three children.

Reflecting on those early years, Alan remembers a very different education system. Teachers wrote reports by hand, worksheets were produced using Roneo machines, photocopiers did not exist, and typewriters were entirely manual. Teachers taught 28 out of 40 available sessions each week, and students worked from their own textbooks.

In 1981, Alan moved to Geelong and joined Bell Park High School, seeking improved facilities for his son, who had cerebral palsy. There he served as Year 10 Coordinator and Head of Commerce, while also coaching a highly successful football team whose matches were regularly televised.

Alan's leadership journey continued at North Geelong Secondary College, where he spent 11 years as a Senior Teacher. During this period, he served as Daily Organiser, Year 10 Coordinator, Head of VCE, Curriculum Coordinator and Acting Assistant Principal.

In 1998, Alan was appointed Principal of Colac Secondary College. During his six years as principal, he introduced curriculum improvements, strengthened student management processes and became widely respected for his strong community connections and service to the people of Colac.

Although he officially retired in 2004, Alan's passion for education drew him back to the classroom in 2007 when he joined Lara Secondary College. He became the first teacher at the school to teach both VCE Accounting and Legal Studies. Beyond the classroom, Alan has played an important role in VCE education across Victoria, helping oversee Legal Studies programs and marking Year 12 Accounting and Legal Studies examinations for many years.

When asked about the biggest changes he has witnessed, Alan points to the extraordinary advances in technology—from manual typewriters to computers, mobile phones and social media. Yet he believes the most important aspect of teaching has never changed: the power of strong relationships between teachers and students. He credits involvement in extracurricular activities as a key factor in building successful schools and helping young people thrive.

Today, Alan still regularly meets former students in the community—including some parents of current Lara students. In fact, our own Assistant Principal, Mr Grzybek, was once one of Alan's students.

After more than five decades in education, Alan says he has thoroughly enjoyed his career and believes what he has learned from working with young people has helped him raise his own family.

On behalf of the entire Lara Secondary College community, we extend our sincere congratulations to Alan Buckingham on this extraordinary achievement. His dedication, leadership and commitment to public education have made a lasting impact on generations of students, colleagues and communities.