A job like no other

After only three years as a teacher, Brooke Stevenson knows she’s in the right place and has already begun making a difference in students’ lives.
Destined to be a teacher from a very young age, Brooke was inspired by her pre-school teacher and could even be found tucked away in her bedroom playing ‘teachers’ with her class of
imaginary students.

Brooke finished Year 12 and immediately set on her path towards teaching, completing her bachelor’s degree at James Cook University.
Now a working teacher, Brooke has no regrets.
“I love my job – although it’s not always as glamourous as it seems,” she said.

“Teachers are a different kind of magnificent. Whenever I find myself stressed and overwhelmed by the workload that comes with our profession, thinking of the students and all the special
moments that come with them is what reminds me that this job is like no other.”

The impact that a teacher has in young peoples’ lives is a responsibility that Brooke takes very seriously.

“Knowing that you’ve got a group of children in front of you that look at you every minute of the day to watch how you react to mistakes, to watch how you treat people, to watch how you value
learning and education, is something really powerful.”

Brooke credits her supportive colleagues for helping her become the teacher she is today.

They remind her (especially on the tough days) that she is making a difference. They are a resource to collaborate, reflect and laugh with.

“Being able to reflect on the progress students have made over just a short period of time, is such a reassuring feeling,” she said.

“It’s cheering students on as they have ‘light bulb’ moments and suddenly understand the concept you’ve been teaching them for a week.

“It’s laughing, crying, celebrating, learning, creating and growing with a group of future leaders that think the world of you. The students are what makes teaching so rewarding.”

Brooke’s advice to people considering a career in teaching is simple.

“Don’t lose sight of your passion and love for the students. Everything always comes back to the little people in front of you. We change people’s lives every day.”

Brooke Stevenson
Columba Catholic College – Charters Towers QLD