There are many different ways for students to learn while at Kennedy Baptist College and, for Alumni member Chelsea, the lesson that shaped her career didn’t happen in the classroom.
Instead, it was on her mission trip to Cambodia that she discovered what she wanted to do after school. This annual tour at Kennedy has been a great opportunity for students to learn more about themselves as they explore Phonm Penh and Siem Reap. As part of our support for Transform Cambodia, at least half of this fortnight-long trip is spent teaching English to children and it was this week that inspired Chelsea to pursue a teaching degree.
“This was my first taste of teaching,” says Chelsea, “And I found it rewarding to see the children engage and improve.”
The character-building trip was just one highlight of Chelsea’s time as a Kennedy student and she points to the large range of electives, excursions, community service and student leadership opportunities as other ways that the College helped her to build strong community bonds with her peers.
These bonds were strengthened again when, after achieving her Bachelor of Education, Chelsea made her way back to Kennedy Baptist College, this time at the front of the classroom. While it was a new dynamic working with staff that she knew as a student, the support she received as a graduate teacher has helped to enrich her career even further.
“As the graduate years of teaching can be challenging, I found it a benefit to be at Kennedy with quality teachers and a positive environment.”
Nowadays, Chelsea is working alongside teachers that taught her as a student as well as newer staff members to the College as they shape our premiere Science Learning Area. Even after all these years, she is still benefitting from Kennedy’s focus on lifelong learning, with personal and professional support and the opportunity to get involved in Pastoral Care events and excursions to teach and guide students.
Recently, this meant helping to run another of Kennedy’s tours, this time to Sydney and Canberra. While we’re sure she helped to inspire the next generation of Kennedy Alumni on this trip, we also know that she was doing what she loves: teaching.
We strive to be an employer of choice among teachers by shaping positive student and staff experiences, such as Chelsea’s. If you’re interested in a career at Kennedy, view our Employment opportunities here.
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