Celebrating our teaching alumni

Friday 30 October Australia celebrates World Teachers’ Day, an opportunity to acknowledge the amazing people who dedicate their lives to bringing out the best in every student, no matter what challenges they face.

Flinders University’s teaching alumni work around the globe, each following their own unique career path and appreciated by their communities for the difference they are making.

This year has thrown more obstacles than usual at teachers around the world, and we hope World Teachers’ Day brings extra special expressions of gratitude, and moments for them to pause and reflect on their critical contributions to today’s world and the world of the future.

Introducing some of our outstanding teaching alumni…

Saadia Adnan (MEd & Leadership ’16)
Director Academics at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Islamabad (Pakistan) 

Saadia credits Flinders University with instilling leadership skills and innovative qualities that have come to the fore this year as she helped bring a major national project to fruition – televising the entire school curriculum so children would have access to education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have learned the art of seeking possibilities amidst the rigid bureaucratic system here. Today, I am equipped to lead transformative change.” Read more

Nick Warren (BEd(JP/P)/BA ’09)
Teacher, Grange Primary School

A senior leader at Grange Primary School, Nick was recognised for his exceptional work in health and physical education with the Norma Jenner Memorial Award for 2019 Primary HPE Teacher of the Year.

“As a HPE teacher I feel it is my duty to provide the best possible education for the children at my school as I was lucky enough to have educators throughout my schooling and tertiary education that did the same for my education.” Read more

Rosette Zerella (BEd(MidSecSch), BHlthSc)
Teacher, Saint Ignatius College and Master of Special Education student

Shifting her focus from paramedic science to sports science proved an ideal fit for Rosette – especially as she simultaneously pursued elite sports activity while studying her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Health Sciences at Flinders University.

“In 2018, I had an AFL training camp in Croatia, right in the middle of semester when my workload and deadlines were all of a high priority. Online study support helped me stay on top of my workload the whole time I was training abroad.” Read more

Simon Fittock (BEd (PrR-7), BA’12)
Teaching and Learning Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia

In Simon’s role as a Teaching and Learning Consultant in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) areas, he helps to develop teachers – encouraging them to see beyond their day-to-day work and consider their purpose and passions.

“I am a strong believer that your passions and interest should not be far-removed from your profession.” Read more

Ha Pham (MEdMgmt ’05)
Founder and Director of Just Kids JSC, Director of Busy Bees Vietnam, Founder and Director of SACE College Vietnam, Co-Founder and Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi Adelaide School

Returning to Vietnam with a Flinders University Masters, Ha established a childcare centre group with a unique focus on both Vietnamese and English literacy. The centres have flourished and in 2019, joined a global childcare group which is expanding throughout Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

“Education is an incredible journey because of its lifelong learning nature and I enjoy it immensely.” Read more

Likun Jin (MEd(EC) ’18)
Programming Educator, Flinders University Childcare Centre

Likun completed a Master of Teaching at Flinders University in 2018 and immediately found a role as a programming educator at its main campus childcare centre.

I apply my learning on a daily basis when I am playing and learning with the children, supporting children who have special needs, reflecting on my teaching practices, and working with my team to design the learning program. Read more

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