Student Highlights
Isabella Wightman

With a dream of connecting her passion and interest with work, Isabella found just that with the Bachelor of Education (Primary).

“I am so passionate about working with children and think that young people are just so incredible. I am deeply interested in wellbeing, particularly in children, and wanted my work to connect with that passion and interest.

“I decided to pursue a career in teaching as I felt there is so much opportunity to foster wellbeing and make a positive impact in a child’s life especially during such crucial times of their brain development and in a setting as important as school,” she said.

With practical placements embedded in every part of the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Isabella says this aspect of her degree has been the most challenging, interesting, and rewarding. These experiences painted a fuller picture of what it’s like to be a classroom teacher.

“The highlights of my degree would have to be my practical placements as I got to put into practice what I was learning and learnt so much from being with students, with supervising teachers and in school environments. From these things I gained new skills, a deeper understanding of my career, new perspectives, and connections from around the world,” she said.

In her final year of study, Isabella was offered a teach.Rural scholarship, meaning it was a requirement to complete her final placement in a specified regional or rural setting.

Not only did Isabella complete a rural placement through her scholarship, but she gained a permanent teaching position upon graduating.

“I have a composite Year 1/2 class in regional/rural NSW and am loving it so far! It is challenging and rewarding, and I am just so thankful to be surrounded by such supportive and passionate staff.

"My favourite thing would be seeing students have an ‘ah ha!’ moment where what they’re learning about really clicks - when students find new or interesting links between topics they’re learning about or connections to their own lives,” she said.

Isabella ‘s advice to students considering teaching, is ‘if you are considering it, go for it!’

“In terms of university study, you really get out of it, what you put into it – so find the connections between theory and practice, get some great study buddies, find the purpose in your learning, and enjoy it!

“If you are passionate about working with kids, keen to make an impact in young people’s lives or have a drive for learning, this could be the career for you. Hold onto that passion and purpose because every child deserves an amazing teacher and that could be you,” she said.

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Isabella Wightman

Teaching really does make a difference in students' lives. Discover how important this is to Isabella.

Hold onto that passion and purpose because every child deserves an amazing teacher and that could be you!