"What do you want your classroom to sound like, feel like, look like?" I ask my students this question at the start of the term. Their responses guide my planning and remind me of what is important.
I love teaching drama because it allows for a diversity of learning through powerful and engaging classroom experiences. And drama is fun. The drama classroom can go from intense silence to joyful laughter in one session.
Students thrive when they are given the opportunity to connect with the broader community. I support my students in their classroom learning and I encourage them to develop their personal strengths outside of the classroom as well.
Drama allows students to make and respond to dramatic texts through a myriad of forms.
I know I learn best when I'm 'doing'. I love those moments in a drama classroom when everyone 'gets it'. Learning in drama is never passive.
Being a homeroom teacher means extra time to get to know my students and to build strong, meaningful relationships.
I just wanted to say thank you for such an amazing year. You have taught me so much about not only just school stuff but about life and this world in general. You came into class and were caring and kind, you always respected and acknowledged everything I had to say and you actually made school fun... Thank you so much for an awesome year. I wish you all the best and know that where ever you are you will be doing amazing things.
2004-2007: I took time out to raise my own young family and remained connected to education through casual positions at Clairvaux McKillop, Gregory Terrace and Mt St Michael's.
In 2003 I worked as a member of the Front of House team at Queensland Theatre company's Bille Brown studio.
Students are so fortunate to have access to an incredible array of live theatre in Brisbane. I enjoy sharing such experiences with my students and the excitement that bubbles up at interval before the show has even ended.
In late 2002 I toured with the QTC production "Cooking with Elvis" as Wardrobe mistress. Directed by Michael Gow, the production played in western Sydney and regional South Australia.
Growing up in regional Queensland did not mean I missed out on the Arts. My parents took me to many shows and I grew up taking Drama lessons, attending live theatre and performing in the local Eisteddfod and in school productions. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Drama at QUT where my lecturers and tutors were arts practitioners and advocates for the arts in education.
Images owned by N. Kapernick and used with permission of subjects