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Lisa’s continuing journey to make a difference in the lives of children
Freya Lucas
Sep 03, 2024
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Lisa Stephens has one passionate and long held belief about her work in the education sector - ‘there is nothing more rewarding than guiding children as they grow into young adults’.
With more than a decade of experience in a variety of educational settings, Ms Stephens is a passionate educator, one who wants nothing more than to be the teacher that the children she works with remember her long after they finish their time together, including as their inspiration for continued lifelong education.In the latest chapter of her journey towards helping children be the best they can be, she is studying her Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Western Sydney University, however in the past she has worked as an early childhood educator, a position she started as a trainee at the age of 29 after another career in a variety of administrative positions.
She loved being an Educator so as soon she achieved her Certificate 3, she signed up to study for a Diploma of Early Childhood. Her career progressed as she took a role as the Manager of a corporate childcare centre in Sydney’s CBD.
Taking a career break to raise her own children, Ms Stephens soon returned to the world of education, this time as a school learning support officer (SLSO) in a New South Wales public school.
“I have been working as an SLSO for 6 years now and the new Department of Education Grow Your Own teacher program has provided me with the opportunity to further my career and training to become a primary school teacher,” she said.
“I am particularly passionate about helping children who come from difficult home lives to realise their potential, not just in education but as members of society,” Ms Stephens continued.
“When I reflect on my own experience through primary and high school I am reminded of times where, with the right support, my journey could have improved,” she added.
As a parent who is studying and working full time while she works towards being a fully qualified teacher, studying in a supportive environment has been crucial.
“Teachers I know all had great experiences and emphasised that the extra support from the lecturers was paramount to their success at Western Sydney University,” she said.
“The Bankstown City campus is also close to my home which allows me the flexibility to visit the library or other campus facilities at any time that I need to.”
Her advice to other education students is to actively engage in class discussions, take advantage of the resources available such as libraries, student services hub and study clubs, and develop connections with your classmates, lecturers, and Student Support Services team.
“Remember that everyone's journey is unique, so embrace challenges, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the process of learning and growing as an educator,” she said in closing.
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