Biographies



**Mr. Glen O'Connor** A broad range of experiences have shaped me in the first 28 years of my life. I commenced a Bachelor of Commerce straight out of high school, but quickly realised that it was not for me. I then followed my passion for film by completing an Advanced Diploma in Professional Screenwriting. I wrote for several years and ended up with two feature screenplays. I did a Gym Instructing/Personal Training course, travelled around Europe and am currently running my own successful business. Along with my double degree in Arts/Education, these are the main life experiences that will enable me to become an effective teacher. English and Politics are my methods; however, I also have a particular interest in Dance. I have always wanted to be involved in community development. I like helping people and enjoy taking on leadership roles. I believe teaching is an excellent profession in which to achieve these goals. Another main reason for wanting to become a teacher was to either help students realise what they actually want to do with their lives earlier, or get them to worry about it less if they do not know. Something I did not predict was what happened to me on my first two teaching rounds; the students were so energetic, amazing and unique that every day they made my day. This is now my primary reason for wanting to continue teaching; to be a part of a diverse and energetic, infinitely evolving learning environment …



**Ms. Virag Kozak** Many things have lead and influenced me to become a teacher. My tertiary education consists of a Bachelor of Biological Science with Honours. I had a fascination of biology and all its concepts since high school which quickly developed into a passion for plant molecular biology at university. My honours year was by far the most difficult year of my life, and as a result I knew that I would not enjoy further research in my field. My teaching methods are general science and biology. Teaching has always been on my agenda. My professor and supervisor has been my main influence in becoming a teacher thus far. The excitement and enthusiasm he gave me through his teaching inspired me to teach. I cannot think of any better satisfaction than giving my students the opportunity to be independent, knowledgeable and motivated through my teaching. Being a mentor, friend, coach and facilitator to the students is a very rewarding profession which is reflected by the students' eagerness to learn and to try their best in life.

** Mr. Robert Song ** I graduated from the Beijing Broadcast Institute with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. After this I worked for China Central Television as a TV presenter for a music program. I also have a Certificate IV in Fitness and one in Workplace Assessment and Training. I migrated to Australia ten years ago and am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience in media and Chinese language and culture with my fellow Australians. I believe that learning is a lifelong process and that teachers have had a very important role in my life. My methods are LOTE and Media.

**Ms. Kristin Skennar** I graduated from Victorian University with a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Professional Writing and Psychology. I enjoyed this course immensely, but did not feel the professions on offer were really what I wanted. I began to undertake a Bachelor of Law at La Trobe University, but quickly realised this was a course I was doing merely because I could and not because I really wanted to. All during my adolescence, teaching was always something I'd wanted to do. I used to coach sports teams at school, and also out of school, and gained much from those small experiences. Added to this was my own fondness for several of my teachers. They were not simply my learning facilitators, they were also guides and friends. It seemed a natural progression to me, to move into teaching. And the experiences I have had, and the teaching role models I have had, all reflect the kind of teacher I am striving to be. One that students will always remember. I believe the most pivotal time in a person's life is when they are at high school, and what they learn during this time, shapes the future and this is why I want to be a teacher.

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