Why I Teach - February 2026 Issue

Kate Easterbrook is a passionate high school teacher from New South Wales, specialising in Technology and Applied Science (TAS) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Hospitality. With over 12 years of experience, she believes teaching is about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping students realise their potential. Her story shows how meaningful, creative, and transformative teaching can be, shaping not only skills but also the people her students grow to become.

Kate, how long have you been teaching? 

Over 12 years. 

What does being a teacher mean to you? 

Being a teacher means being a steady presence in a young person’s life — someone who shows up consistently, listens deeply, and believes in them even on the days they don’t yet believe in themselves. For me, teaching has never just been about delivering content or meeting outcomes. It’s about relationships, trust, and creating a space where students feel safe to try, to fail, and to grow.

It means always being in my students’ corner — supporting them in anything they do and helping them see their potential, even when they can’t see it yet. Teaching means helping students build confidence in their abilities and pride in their progress, while guiding them not only academically but also socially and emotionally as they navigate some of the most formative years of their lives.

I see my role as helping students make sense of the world, develop resilience, and recognise their own potential.

"If my students leave my classroom feeling supported, empowered and willing to keep learning, then that, to me, is what being a teacher truly means."

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I was inspired to become a teacher through the influence of truly amazing teachers during my own school years. One in particular — my HSC English teacher — had a lasting impact on me. She made learning feel purposeful and empowering, and showed me how much a passionate, supportive teacher can shape a student’s confidence and love of learning. That experience stayed with me long after I left school.

Around the same time, I found myself naturally stepping into a teaching role with my peers. In HSC Textiles and Design classes, I was often helping friends understand the content, break down tasks and feel more confident in their work. More than once, they said, “You should be a teacher — you explain things better than our teacher.” At the time, it felt like a throwaway comment, but the idea stuck, and I began to see teaching as something I was genuinely drawn to.

"Teaching was also part of my family story."

When I was ten, my mum retrained as a TAS/Visual Arts teacher, and I was able to see firsthand the creativity, purpose and impact that came with the profession. Watching her navigate teaching reinforced for me that education wasn’t just a job — it was meaningful, influential work. Now, years later, it feels like a dream come true to be working alongside her at the same school, sharing the profession that inspired me and continuing that legacy together.

Together, these experiences planted the seed that eventually grew into my career. Teaching felt like a natural fit — a way to combine creativity, connection and the opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives.

What keeps you motivated in this profession?

My students keep me motivated — always.

"It’s the quiet breakthroughs, the moments of pride, and the small wins that might go unnoticed by anyone else. Seeing a student finally understand a concept, complete a project they didn’t think they could, or grow in confidence over time is incredibly rewarding. Those moments are powerful reminders of why this work matters."

I’m also motivated by the opportunity to constantly learn and evolve. Teaching challenges me to stay curious, adapt and improve. Every class is different, every student brings something new, and no two days are ever the same. That sense of growth and purpose keeps the work meaningful and energising.

Equally inspiring are the incredible teachers I work alongside. Being surrounded by passionate, dedicated colleagues pushes me to better myself, challenge my thinking and continue refining my practice. They encourage me to try new ideas, take creative risks and step outside my comfort zone — even when something doesn’t work out as planned. Knowing that it’s okay to try, reflect and learn together fosters a culture of growth that motivates me every day.

Teaching is a profession built on connection — with students and with colleagues — and it’s that shared commitment to learning, improvement and impact that keeps me coming back, year after year.

Why do you love teaching?

I love teaching because it is deeply human work. It’s creative, challenging and incredibly rewarding — and no two days are ever the same.

"I love the buzz of the classroom, the conversations that spark unexpectedly, the problem-solving moments, and the genuine connections that form along the way. There’s an energy that comes from learning together, and it’s something I never get tired of."

I love working with students, and I genuinely love what I teach. Who doesn’t love food and technology? From cooking and creating to coding, designing, and experimenting, my subjects make learning hands-on, practical, and fun. Students can see, touch, test and create, which makes learning feel exciting and meaningful. It keeps lessons dynamic, the classroom lively, and teaching anything but boring.

I also love the freedom to design learning experiences that feel real and relevant. When students can see how what they’re learning connects to the world around them — and to their own lives — something clicks. They become more curious, more confident and more willing to give things a go.

"Most of all, I love knowing that what I do each day can help shape how a young person sees themselves and their future. Helping a student discover a strength they didn’t know they had, develop confidence, or feel proud of their work is incredibly fulfilling. Teaching is hard work, but it is joyful work — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

What do you hope your students remember most about your teaching?

I hope my students remember that they felt supported, respected and truly valued. That my classroom was a place where they could be themselves, take risks and learn without fear of judgement — a space where it was okay to try, to fail and to have another go.

"More than any lesson or assessment, I hope they remember that someone believed in them. That they were encouraged to think outside the box, to be different, and to embrace who they are — whether that meant being a little nerdy, a little weird, or wonderfully unique. I want my students to know that being themselves is not something to hide, but something to celebrate."

I also hope they remember the laughter — the humour, the silly jokes, the strange catchphrases and my very genuine attempts to be “cool.” Learning should be joyful, and I want my students to associate learning with fun, curiosity and connection.

Above all, I hope they leave knowing that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. I hope they continue to ask questions, stay curious, never stop learning and always find joy in discovering something new. If they carry confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self-worth, then I know I’ve made a lasting impact.