This month, I would like to introduce you to our ‘feature teacher’, Aaron.

Hi everyone! My name is Aaron but some of you may know me better as Mr J from “Mr J’s Learning Space” on Instagram and Facebook. I’m a dad to two beautiful girls (Serenity and Aria) and I’m an Assistant Principal from the Central Coast, NSW. I’ve been teaching for 13 years this year and I am currently teaching Years 3/4 in a collaborative, future-focused learning environment. 

1. Why did you become a teacher?

Teaching wasn’t my first career choice, but I did know I always wanted to work with kids and young people. I was planning to study medicine and become a pediatrician, however, as the end of high school approached the reality hit me that there may be kids that come across my path that I wouldn’t be able to help and that tore me up inside. So, I decided to rethink my direction and decided to choose a career where I could make sure every child or young person I encountered would leave better off - teaching was the answer for me. 

I also have some very fond memories of key teachers in my life who left a lasting impact on me. They believed in me when I felt no one else did and they challenged me to be more than my circumstances. Without their influence, my life could have taken a very different direction. I want to be that teacher for my students. 

2. Tell us your favourite; year to teach, subject to teach and platform for resources

Favourite year to teach: I’ve loved every year I’ve taught so far, but at the moment I’m really enjoying Years 3/4. The students have a lot more independence and the content and concepts we get to explore are starting to deepen, but they still have their cheeky, tell it how it is nature that always makes me laugh.

Favourite subject to teach: I love teaching creative arts and writing and my favourite platform for

Favourite platform for resources: is social media. There are so many incredible educators out there sharing ideas and resources and I am constantly inspired by them. 

 3. What is one of your favourite teaching memories?

I have so many favourite memories so far from my career and I love those “ah-ha” moments in the classroom when something just clicks and finally makes sense to a student, those are the moments I live for as a teacher. 

I think some of the favourite moments have happened over the last few years as I’ve got to build really strong relationships with the students I’m currently teaching.  I’ve taught some of them since they were in Year One so to watch them grow and develop from such a young age has been pretty awesome.  

4. What is the most important thing you have learnt while teaching?

One of the most things I’ve learnt is the power of relationships when it comes to teaching. Students won’t remember everything I’ve taught them, but they will remember the relationships and connection we built. Learning can’t occur if students don’t feel safe, secure and a sense of belonging. As teachers, our first priority is always relationships and that will lead to quality learning.

5. If you could invite one guest speaker into the classroom who would it be?

I’d have to say Malala Yousafzai. I think her story is so powerful and inspiring for people of all ages, but especially students. Her life is all about not quitting or giving up when things get difficult or tough and living bigger than your circumstances. We all need to hear that message. 

6. What is your best teaching tip for beginning teachers?

Go easy on yourself! I remember coming out of uni and putting so much pressure on myself to know it all, do it all and I constantly compared myself to teachers who had been teaching for years, even decades. Continue to learn, ask questions and be ok with making mistakes. Now is the best time to do that and learn from them. 

7. Teaching can be very demanding. How do you achieve a work/life balance?

I’m certainly not an expert at this and it’s something I’m always trying to do better at. It’s harder as a parent too because I’m so aware of making sure I’m there for my own family.

I usually get to work about 7 am each day and do all my follow up and prep. I try not to take work home with me during the week and on weekends I set myself time to be with my family from Friday night - Sunday afternoon. If there’s work to be done Sunday afternoon and evening is when it happens.

This is not always possible and there are times when I do have to do work during the week so I try as much as possible to make the most of the time when I first get home. I’ll do things that bring me and my family joy so I have some kind of life satisfaction and focus on being truly present in those moments and not think about work until after dinner and the kids are in bed.

8. What is one thing you like to do every day with your students?

Every day we mark our roll and I ask my students a question to get to know more about them. When I call their name instead of saying, “here” or “present” they tell me the answer to the question and then I give my answer to the question too. It’s a great little time of connection and a chance to learn more about one another.

After that we do our class Acknowledgement of Country and pay respect to the traditional owners of the land we have the privilege to learn, play and live on each day.

9. How do you minimise your environmental footprint in the classroom?

This is something I’m always trying to be mindful of and do better at. My school has a big focus on technology and students are able to bring in their own devices to use each day, so I’ve really been able to cut down on the amount of printing I do each day.

We also encourage students to go waste-free with their lunch box and reward classes with the least amount of rubbish or the most fruit and veg scraps to compost.

10. Plan a perfect teaching day for us

For me, a perfect day would be free from disruptions to routine and involve the things we do most days. A chance to work collaboratively with our peers, have in-depth discussions and throw in a bit of creative arts to have fun and experiment with expressing ourselves in different ways.

One thing I’m really missing at the moment with COVID restrictions is being able to sing, dance and play certain instruments. Making music is always a highlight for me!

Wow! Aaron. This is amazing. I particularly loved how you emphasized the power of relationships. I too believe strongly in the importance of a connection with our students and building relationships.

To read past teacher profiles; click here.

If you are a teacher and are interested in being featured next month, we would love to hear from you. Send an email to laurathexplaura@gmail.com or drop a note below.