Staff Profile

Staff Profiles

Each newsletter in 2019 will showcase the experience, story and passion for education of one of our teaching staff.  Our intent is to let you into the wealth of experience and knowledge that is behind each staff member selected at the College.

Jo Needham

Jo Needham was born in Perth, and has 15 years of teaching under her belt.  The first two years were in Gnowangerup District High School and the 13 years since at Cornerstone.  Jo holds a Bachelor of Education, Masters in Educational Leadership (she officially graduated last Monday!), Diploma of Leadership and Management, Diploma of Business, Cert IV in Career Development, Cert IV in Training and Assessing and Cert III in Christian Ministry and Theology - She is an advocate for lifelong education and most of these courses have come about through opportunities in her role here at Cornerstone. She is now having a nice break from formal study at the moment and putting some time into learning Italian! 

We asked her some questions about her story with education, and here's what she said.

What Year do you teach?

I have taught a huge variety of subjects and year groups over the years. Currently I am teaching Year 9 Careers (Needham's Necessities), Year 10 Careers, Certificate II in Business and a new course to the school - Year 11 ATAR Psychology. 

My most unusual subject ever was 'Circus Skills' which did yield one professional acrobat who studied her craft at University levels.

What you love about being a teacher?

I love the opportunity to help students discover their gifts and talents and find an individual pathway throughout secondary school and beyond. We are so blessed to have access to so many programs and courses that students can access and I love helping each student find the right fit for them. There is something really special about working with teenagers and seeing them develop from children into young adults. I feel privileged to be a part of that journey for students here at Cornerstone. 

What's the best thing about Cornerstone?

The students - seriously, we teach some amazing young people! I love that students are engaged in learning and are keen to work together for positive outcomes. I enjoy the interactions I have with students every day - from teaching them in the classroom, to working with those needing help to plan their study, to just having a chat or a laugh, or taking them out on camps or excursions. I have been blessed to run a number of Sydney Canberra trips in my time at Cornerstone. Most people think you have to be a bit crazy to take 42 teenagers to the other side of the country, but we have such incredible students that this is an amazing experience. Teachers on the trip regularly receive positive feedback from excursion venues, accommodation staff and the general public about how great our students are. 

Any hobbies or interests others might like to know about?

I am a big fan of modern board games! My favourite games at the moment are Azul, Photosynthesis and Bohnanza. I also love to travel, both within Australia in my Jayco Penguin and internationally. I have been to 36 countries now, but still so many more to see! Highlights have been Nepal, Canada and Israel. During my last long service leave I also had the opportunity to spend some time in Mozambique and Malawi tutoring the children of some missionary families and running the children's program at their annual conference. This was an amazing opportunity to use my gifts to serve and bless others.