I have been working in Australian schools for over a year now, in a teaching capacity. It has been extremely interesting seeing how different the education systems are, and how the cultures vary completely. For example, depending on the geographic area, or whether the school is government funded or a private or independent enterprise, depends on how well the students are behaved and whether they are motivated to learn.
What is most evident is the fact that students in general at government non-selective schools are not interested in 'getting ahead' in life and it's very sad. I'm not sure if it's because their parents don't inspire them to learn or lead by example, but most kids are in high school because it's compulsory and not because they're actually interested in learning.
I taught over 100 students last week and asked them what their favourite subject was. Over 80 per cent said Fitness and Training or Sport. Further, their favourite past-time is playing video games or PlayStation games after school.
This is in contrast to a private school I was working at last term, whereby as much as the teenagers misbehave occasionally, as this is a normal thing for people of this age to do, they still show respect towards their teachers, and have a built-in attitude to learn, even if they know it's hard or they're not an A+ student in that subject. They try, they enquire, and more so, they show respect.
That is what drives me to teach and educate our future generations. I came out of the corporate world 2 years ago to change careers and make a difference in our community. Education, I believe, is one of the keys to success. And if I can play my part in educating our youth, hopefully overall they will make something of their lives and make a valuable contribution to the society in which we live.
Aside, the government a few years ago injected a huge amount of money into Education and schools. My concern is that people say they want better teachers in government schools. How do you expect to attract better teachers if the conditions are awful and the students show no respect towards the teachers? I am far more attracted to places where the students are interested in learning and show respect, than schools whereby my values are challenged every day and I fear my safety and question my profession. Parents need to teach their kids how to respect others and their elders. Then, you may be able to attract teachers that are of high calibre and inspirational, and seen as mentors to those kids who are less fortunate.
After working in one government school for over four weeks now, I have seen the difference and definitely don't like it. Last Monday, my personal safety in a classroom was compromised. Another student was behaving so unruley that he even picked up my personal devices such as the iPad and threatened to smash it on the ground if I didn't follow his demands. I sent for help and received none. Another teacher was walking passed in the corridor and so I asked him for help. He insisted that it wasn't his area to interfere despite me pleading for assistance.
Sometimes I wonder whether the staff in these schools are just as unaware of respect and standards not just the students?
Knowing I have another contract at a private school next term, I have now resigned from this short term government role. It was not for me. The culture is not me and the people I was interacting with do not overall have the same values as me. Knowing when you're in over your head is important; and ensuring I'm educating students who want to learn is my primary focus.
Today I'm doing CRT at a lovely private schools girls college and couldn't be happier. The Year 12 class' students have approached me three times in the last half hour asking for assistance with their maths, business management and general advice. I couldn't be more obliging if I tried. They want to learn and I'm over the moon at how much they respect me and value my opinion.
The education system is slowly changing. Thank god there are schools and students out there who value people like me!
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