For Andrew Mittiga (BEd(MidSecSch), BA’18), teaching has always been about more than just lessons in the classroom. It’s about connection, inspiration, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
“I had great memories in high school and connected really strongly with my teachers,” Andrew recalls. “I wanted to combine my love of sport with the fulfilment of helping people.”
That combination has guided his career, from his early teaching experiences through to his current leadership roles at Wilderness School and membership on the ACHPER SA Board. Along the way, Andrew developed a personal leadership philosophy that guides his teaching: to inspire people about what’s possible, empower them to achieve it, and remain present in any discomfort.
Beyond the classroom, Andrew has been involved in coaching, particularly with the South Australian National Football League Women’s Development League.
“I love football and working in girls’ education,” he says. “It’s incredible that girls now have an opportunity and a pathway to play football – something that didn’t exist when I was growing up.”
Watching players learn and grow through training has been especially rewarding; “To see their development in front of your eyes is something really special,” he says.
At the heart of Andrew’s teaching is the relationships he builds with his students. “I get to make a real impact on people’s lives,” he reflects. “I might be that one trusted adult in someone’s life who makes them feel valued and heard.”
He has also learned to embrace flexibility and emotional awareness in both teaching and coaching. “Loosening control of the constraints in the environments I operate in enables more discovery and curiosity in learning,” he says. “And being aware of the emotional climate is so important, because it influences everything about how students engage.”
Andrew’s proudest professional achievement so far has been stepping into leadership. “Winning my first leadership position at Wilderness was a really significant moment,” he shares. It’s a role that allows him to influence student wellbeing more broadly, an area he is increasingly passionate about.
Andrew’s decision to study at Flinders came down to two things: the University’s reputation for modern facilities and the strength of its physical education program. “I had heard great things about the physical education offering. The learning was always contemporary and relevant to the various elements of pedagogy,” Andrew says. “That’s been invaluable in preparing me for the career I have now.”
Looking ahead, Andrew hopes to see greater equity in education, both locally and globally. He believes strongly that access to quality education should not depend on circumstance. And as a Flinders graduate, he feels supported to keep striving toward that vision.
“Being part of the Flinders alumni community means having a base for my journey as a lifelong learner,” he says.
In 2024, Andew was awarded the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation SA Howard Mutton Memorial Award (Secondary Excellence in HPE) for his on-going leadership in Health and Wellbeing, Physical Education and Sport at Wilderness School as well as active involvement with the SACE Board and ACHPER. Andrew received a glowing review on the night:
“His work in schools with students and teachers is characterised by a positive and thoughtful approach. He builds capacity of colleagues and HPE professionals through sharing best practice via ACHPER conferences, the SACE Board and community coaching beyond the School at the Norwood Football Club.”