Why We Teach
Our teachers are at the heart of every learning experience, guiding, encouraging and inspiring students each day. While every teacher’s journey into education is unique, they are united by a shared passion for helping young people grow in confidence, curiosity and capability.
In this special article, we hear from both experienced and early career teachers as they reflect on what first inspired them to pursue teaching and what continues to make the profession so meaningful. From lifelong passions and influential mentors to the joy of building relationships with students, their stories offer a genuine insight into the people who shape learning at Santa Maria every day.
Experienced Teachers
Luke de san Miguel – English and Humanities & Social Sciences Teacher
I became a teacher because I was inspired by the idea that people can shape themselves into better versions of who they are through learning, community and encouragement. The values of creativity, community and a do-it-yourself ethos have always been central to who I am. My mum was also a teacher, playing a huge role in my life and inspiring me to teach through her compassion, patience and belief in education.
I have stayed in education because of the students. Their resilience, curiosity and determination continue to inspire me every day. While I entered teaching wanting to make a positive impact, my perspective has grown over time. Teaching is not one-sided, it is built on shared growth, connection and learning. Watching students challenge themselves and develop confidence is what continues to make the profession meaningful to me.
Olivia Gamble – Health & Physical Education Teacher
There are so many reasons that I decided to become a teacher; it is really the only profession I ever considered. I was fortunate to go to a school full of teachers who supported me and helped me though high school, and I knew that I wanted to be just like them in the future. One of my favourite things to say about teaching is that there are no other careers without teachers, and I really think that is true. We might teach a certain subject or content, but I also think we can educate in so many more areas – how our students treat each other, dealing with conflict, overcoming disappointment and so much more.
My why has not changed; in fact, I enjoy teaching more than I ever thought I would. My “why” is for the big teaching moments where you help a student understand a tricky concept, but also for the small moments, when you have a great chat to student in the corridors or help them with life problems. My why is for the students; we are so lucky to work with such wonderful students who come to school every day keen to learn and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Lindsey Fitzgerald – Year 5 Teacher
I chose to become a teacher because I have always enjoyed working with children and helping shape young minds for the future. I have been teaching since 2004 and still find it incredibly rewarding. Being part of each child’s unique journey and experiencing the joyful, unexpected moments each day brings is what continues to make teaching so meaningful to me.
I have stayed in education because I still feel incredibly passionate about teaching and feel fortunate to genuinely enjoy what I do each day. As education continues to evolve, I appreciate the new challenges and opportunities that come with it. My “why” has remained the same — to inspire young people, help them understand the importance of mindset, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Jo Priest – Science Teacher
A curiosity about the natural world was something I can recall from my early school days, something that was probably enhanced by the fact that I grew up in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of WA and spent a lot of time exploring nature, out in the bush and the local surrounds. I was also fortunate to have that curiosity nurtured by fabulous, dedicated teachers in those country towns that enabled me the freedom to explore and develop that curiosity.
So, when making my career choice, pursuing a career in science teaching enabled me to further my curiosity about the natural world and combine it with the opportunity to inspire young people to appreciate the wonders of the natural world, just like I had been inspired by my teachers.
A passion for learning is still top of my list as to why I love my role. There is no end to what is out there to discover and understand about the natural world. As a teacher, I have the privilege of inspiring young people to be curious, to ask questions and to seek and discover answers.
Beginner Teachers
Caitlyn Brown – Science and Religious Education Teacher
I chose to become a teacher because I was really lucky to have some great teachers when I was at school who genuinely cared about me and had a positive impact on my life. They supported me not just with my learning, but also as a person, and made school a place where I felt encouraged and capable. They inspired me to be the same kind of teacher for my own students, someone who supports them, believes in them, and hopefully makes a positive difference in their lives the way my teachers did for me.
What I have enjoyed most about teaching so far is building relationships with the students, hearing about their successes and challenges and seeing them achieve goals both in the classroom and outside of it. I also have enjoyed having the opportunity to teach across a range of different subjects, including Science, Religion, and Physical Education. It’s been interesting learning how each subject has its own style and approach, and I’ve enjoyed developing and adapting my teaching to suit the different needs of each one.
Dillon O’Reilly – Mathematics Teacher
I became a mathematics teacher because I have always enjoyed maths and wanted to share that passion with others. During school, many of my friends disliked maths, which motivated me to help students see it differently. I hope to inspire the next generation and make mathematics more engaging, enjoyable, and accessible.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to teach in ways that I believe best support student learning and engagement. I also appreciate how supportive the Mathematics Department has been, always willing to answer questions and share resources. Working alongside experienced colleagues has helped me build confidence and continue developing my teaching skills.
Georgia Portlock – Humanities & Social Sciences and Religious Education Teacher
I chose to become a teacher because of my own experience I had at Santa Maria. My teachers always created supportive and encouraging environments where I felt comfortable and valued as a student. The strong relationships I built with teachers had a big impact on me and inspired me to pursue teaching myself, as I wanted the opportunity to positively influence the students and help them feel supported in their learning, as well as other pillars of their lives.
So far, I am really enjoying the relationships and interactions I have with the girls each day. It has been rewarding getting to know their personalities, supporting them, and seeing their confidence grow in class. I also enjoy the variety that comes with teaching different subjects, as every lesson is different and keeps it interesting. Working across two departments allows me to interact with many different staff members, who all offer their own unique skills and knowledge of the different subjects, which I also thoroughly enjoy!
Taylor Cutts – Music Teacher
Reading these reflections is a reminder that teaching is so much more than delivering lessons. It is about connection, encouragement, curiosity and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Whether they are just beginning their careers or have spent decades in education, each teacher shares a deep commitment to supporting students and making a positive impact. Their passion, care and dedication continue to shape the lives of the girls they teach, helping create the strong sense of community that makes Santa Maria College so special.
- Catholic Education Perth, Early Career Teachers, Experienced Teachers, Featured, girls school perth, Mercy Education, Santa Maria College, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher Stories, Teaching Careers, Women in Education
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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