Hey there! My name is Amanda Colley and this is a little insight into my world. In 2008 I completed a Bachelor of Forensic Science, and after several years searching for a suitable position I was employed as a Forensic Biologist at Division of Analytical Laboratories, believing my career dreams had finally come true. I could not foresee however the political battle that would develop within my workplace, one that would force me to once again seek out a satisfying career path.

Hence why I am here, to explore another of my passions and pass my knowledge and enthusiasm on to others. I am currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education in the field of science and religious education, at the Australian Catholic University. Through my studies I have experienced my first placement day at Mount Carmel High School. Despite my nervousness I was pleasantly surprised at how I enjoyed it and felt I had finally found my profession.

I also found inspiration in my colleague teacher, Mr Tor Preece, with whom I am fortunate to share similar values and teaching philosophies. When enquiring about lesson plans to all other members of the science facility, Mr Preece emphasised the importance of being prepared with a lesson plan for each class. He told me however due to his many years of experience, he did not require a written lesson plan but instead prepared one mentally. The importance of lesson plans was evident in his classrooms; the students were engaged and attentive. He consistently incorporated an introduction, body and conclusion in his lessons, giving the lessons a structure and purpose that kept both teacher and students on track and engaged with the content.

As a pre-graduate teacher, with assistance from my colleague teacher, I aim to consistently expand my knowledge and skill set, continually stay informed with the content of my subjects, as well further improve the processes by which I collect and present the information. I intend to adopt the techniques I have learnt, such as being equipped with a lesson plan, reflecting on each of my classes and consider ways to improve them, in the hope of providing my students with the most useful and educational lesson possible. When I have completed my studies and qualified as a teacher I aspire to convey these teaching philosophies in my classrooms.