What is your role at QACI, and what subjects do you teach?
I am one of two Psychology teachers at QACI. I teach Year 10, 11 Psychology SL, and Year 12 Psychology SL/HL, facilitate the Tiny Desk and Songwriting Enrichment Workshops, and have supervised students working on their Psychology Extended Essays. I also have the privilege of being a Connect Coach for the wonderful E2A.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about working in the IB program?
After completing my Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), I spent a year studying music through a Postgraduate Diploma of Arts at UQ while deciding which path to pursue. On the one hand, I loved Psychology, but my heart was truly in Music. I got a job teaching piano at a music therapy business to support myself at this time, and that’s when I realised how much I enjoyed teaching. What I love about QACI is that even though I don’t teach music directly, I get to be part of all the amazing arts showcases and incorporate music into my teaching every day. If you’re in E2A, you’ll know how much I love singing along to the Wicked soundtrack!
How do you bring real-world connections into your teaching? Any exciting collaborations or projects?
I believe Psychology helps us become better people, see the world more critically, and question things instead of accepting them blindly. With a background in Psychology and having written an Honours thesis on the Science of Compassion, I’m passionate about going beyond the curriculum. This means creating lessons that connect content to students’ everyday lives, including current psychological research, ethical debates, and the influences of pop culture.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story?
One of my most memorable moments was in Term 2, when my Year 11 Psychology students were revising the Multi-Store Model of Memory. To do this, they wrote a song on Garage Band to the tune of ‘Gimme More’ by Britney Spears, called ‘Multi-Store’. I’ll never get that earworm out of my head: “Multi, multi-store!”
What’s something unique about QACI’s learning experience that sets it apart?
The students here are genuinely excited to come to class and ready to learn. I love how collaborative and supportive the classroom environment is - something that really aligns with my own teaching philosophy.
Do you have any interesting career highlights, achievements, or passions outside of teaching?
As an early career teacher, my biggest highlight so far is simply working at this beautiful school. Outside of work, I love playing my harp and eating meals at restaurants that I really can’t afford!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give students for their future?
Take your time. Discover what truly excites you. And if you go to university and there’s an exchange program, do it! My QACI students often hear me talk about my study exchange in Amsterdam. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Which IB Learner Profile attribute resonates most with you, and why?
'Caring' is the IB Learner attribute that resonates most with me. It involves showing empathy, compassion, and respect, which are three qualities I strive to embody as a teacher, a colleague, and in my personal life. I believe people learn and grow the most when they feel valued, supported and understood. Therefore, I try to make my classrooms a space where open discussions about the world around us are facilitated respectfully, and often.