Staff in the Spotlight
With so many staff at Wantirna College, we would like to give our school community the opportunity to get to know them 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 Gabi Bergman.
Gabi is an experienced teacher with a breadth of skills in Drama, English and Literature – welcome to the Wantirna Staff, Gabi!
How long have you been teaching?
This will be my fifth year!
What school/university or organisation have you come from?
I went to Monash Uni for both my Arts and Teaching degrees.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
It's super cliché, but I had some incredible teachers in high school and university who showed me the power of passionate teaching and how to love learning. I hope to do the same for my students.
What do you love most about teaching?
Seeing students discover their potential and grow in confidence. Watching them take creative risks, connect with material in unexpected ways, have deep discussions, and express themselves in new forms is all incredibly rewarding. It’s that moment when a student finally gets it or finds their voice that makes everything worth it.
What are three things you would like your students to know about you?
I love musical theatre and I actually perform outside of work! I also do a fair bit of writing and have had the chance to interview a lot of my theatrical heroes. And just to throw everyone off, I actually used to play competition tennis through school and uni.
What has been one of your best teaching moments?
I’ve had so many great moments! A standout would probably be that I had a student who initially didn’t enjoy drama and was very shy. With encouragement and support, she gradually became more involved, and by the end of the term, she was confidently leading a group scene and had discovered a real passion for the subject. It was great to see her growth and how much she’d gained in just a few months. It really reinforced how powerful drama can be in building confidence, communication skills, and creative expression!
Where's your favourite holiday destination?
I love London - I visited over the summer break earlier this year and can't wait to go back again.
What are tv show/series did you last binge watch?
My partner and I are hooked on Severance! We just finished Season 2 and don't know what to do with ourselves.
If you could have 3 people for dinner (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
Bertolt Brecht, William Shakespeare, and Oscar Wilde - three of my greatest creative idols. Brecht revolutionised theatre with his bold, political storytelling, using drama as a tool for change rather than just entertainment, and I’d love to hear his thoughts on modern theatre. Shakespeare was the master of language and human emotion, and shaped storytelling as we know it - I’d jump at the chance to ask him about his creative process. Wilde would bring his brilliant wit and biting social commentary, and I’d love his perspective on today’s world.
What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?
Make bold choices! Take risks, trust your instincts, and commit fully to your ideas. Safe choices rarely lead to the most exciting work, and creativity is how we grow.