Why I Teach - March 2026 Issue

Katelyn is a primary school teacher from New South Wales, currently teaching a Year 1/2 class. Inspired by the guidance and support of her own teachers, she believes that teaching is about creating a safe, curious, and encouraging environment where every student feels seen and empowered. Her story reminds us that teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons—it’s about nurturing kindness, resilience, and confidence in every child.

Katelyn, how long have you been teaching? 

I began casual teaching in August 2025 after commencing my studies in 2022. I will complete my Master of Teaching (Primary) in June 2026 and will be appointed to three years of full-time teaching at a rural or remote school in NSW through the Department of Education’s Teach Rural Scholarship.

Edit: Since this interview, Katelyn has just accepted a classroom teaching role and is now a graduate teacher, leading a Year 1/2 class.

What does being a teacher mean to you? 

To me, being a teacher is about more than just delivering lessons on KLA-specific content.

"It’s about being a safe space that encourages learners to be curious about the world they live in and providing them with the right tools to ask questions and seek answers without fear of judgement or criticism."

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Some of the teachers I had throughout my time at school are the reason I chose to become a teacher. As a high-achieving student who struggled with lofty personal expectations...

"I will always be grateful for the support and reassurance these teachers provided. Most importantly, I felt seen as a person, not just a student."

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

It might be a bit cliché to answer this question by saying...

“I hope to teach my students to be good people....”

but if there is one thing I hope my students learn from me, it is to be kind to themselves and to others. As a young adult, this is still something I am learning myself. To me, it is more important to allow children to understand that it is okay to make mistakes, that it is okay to not be good at something straight away—or at all—and that it is okay to find something difficult when others find it easy.