Why I Teach - April 2026 Issue

Siobhan (also known to her students as Mrs Davis) is a passionate primary school teacher from New South Wales, currently in her sixth year of teaching. She brings warmth, joy, and connection into her classroom, creating a space where students feel seen, valued, and supported. Her story highlights the power of kindness, the importance of relationships, and the lasting impact a caring teacher can have on young lives.

How do you create joy and connection in your classroom?

Connection is really important to me. I love greeting my students each morning, asking about their weekends and noticing the little things like a fresh haircut or a missing tooth. I also like to share parts of my life with them, like stories about my family or photos from holidays, so they feel like they know me as a person too.

"I find that when students feel that warmth and trust, they are much more comfortable connecting and opening up, and those relationships often last well beyond the year we spend together."

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

I create joy in the classroom by celebrating the little things. Days like april fools, rainbow days or bring your teddy to school day only take a few minutes to organise, but they bring so much excitement and fun to the day. I also have a happy jar in the classroom where we add a token whenever a student does something that makes my heart happy, like showing kindness or helping a classmate. It becomes a whole class reward that encourages them to work together and celebrate each other.

What is one lesson outside of academics you hope your students learn from you?

I hope my students learn the importance of kindness, and that it becomes something deeply instilled in them because it’s always something I try to model myself.

"I encourage them to think before they speak or act, to be gentle with themselves when they make mistakes or are learning something new, and to treat others with empathy and respect."

I want them to have open hearts, to lift each other up and cheer on the people around them. Kindness is such a beautiful quality, and one I hope they carry with them long after they leave the classroom.

How do you balance the demands of teaching with self-care and wellbeing?

I balance the demands of teaching by not putting too much pressure on myself beyond the school gate. I make sure I arrive at a good time in the morning, take a moment to chat with colleagues and get my printing done, and leave not long after the bell. I’m happy to use my recess or lunch breaks at school, and I usually get my preparation done during RFF so I don’t have to take too much work home.

When I am at home, I make sure I don't miss out on the things that make me happy. I prioritise my family and know that work can wait. 

"In general, try not to sweat the small stuff."

I would say I'm pretty good at thinking on my feet, so if a lesson isn’t going exactly as planned or I haven’t printed enough worksheets, I can leave it and come back to it another time.

"We are all human and all learning, and my students understand that too. It helps me stay grounded, enjoy teaching, and model balance and resilience for them."

Follow along with Siobhan’s teaching journey on Instagram at @littlerainbowteacher.