• Regional living and studying appealed to a Charles Sturt education student pursuing a career in teaching
• The theme for this year’s World Teacher’s Day on Friday 30 October is ‘shine a light on teachers’

Most people can recall a teacher that made a profound difference in their lives.

A Charles Sturt University student is reflecting on the teachers that inspired her to pursue a career in education and the kind of teacher she wants to be for her future students.

Ms Chloe O’Neill grew up in Coffs Harbour and is currently living in Port Macquarie while studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12) in the Charles Sturt School of Education.

The second-year student grew up on the coast and knew she wanted to study in a regional location. Port Macquarie offered the coastal lifestyle she was used to and a space for her horses to live.

“I have never been attracted to living in the city as I love nature and having space to move around,” she said.

“When I visited Port Macquarie for the early entry retreat, I fell in love with the campus. They had lots of beaches, space for my horses and it was a good distance from home. It was perfect.”

The challenge comes as workforce data points to a growing need to attract new teachers. Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership data shows just 22 per cent of the nation’s teaching workforce is in its first five years, highlighting concerns about the future pipeline as experienced teachers retire.

Full-time classroom teachers also reported a median workload of 50 hours a week during school terms, with heavy workloads remaining a major factor contributing to teacher attrition.

Teacher shortages are being felt most acutely in regional communities, where schools can already face challenges attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

While living in a regional location was a clear choice for Chloe, studying education was not her first option - she previously considered a career in phsyiotherapy or psychology.

During a gap year after high school and experience working as a physiotherapy assistant, she found herself missing English as a subject and reconsidered becoming a teacher.

The theme of World Teacher’s Day on Friday 30 October is ‘shine a light on teachers’ and it has Chloe reflecting on the influences in her life that led her to teaching.

“Teaching was originally presented to me as an option by my Year 7 English teacher, who encouraged me because of my passion for English,” she said.

“I also really liked the idea of helping shape and inspire people like the great teachers I had in high school.

“Being someone that students can feel comfortable asking questions of, encouraging them and instilling confidence.”

Chloe’s great aunt and uncle and their daughter were also teachers and she said they have shared their stories and offered advice.

The Bachelor of Education (K-12) allows Chloe the option of studying primary teaching while also enrolling in university-level literature subjects, giving her more career options after graduation.

“I am not sure whether I want to teach high school or primary, but I don’t have to choose because my degree qualifies me for both,” she said.

“I am excited to do a high school placement and see how I feel about it.”

Chloe said Charles Sturt appealed because of the financial assistance options it offers to education students and the guarantee of a job after graduation.

Her university lecturers, who are also practicing teachers, have been a great source of knowledge and inspiration for her. She said she has learned about the current teaching climate, the impact of technology and what methods of teaching are still relevant.

She said that one of Charles Sturt’s regional campuses is the ideal location for a balanced lifestyle and natural beauty.

“Really consider the lifestyle you want and visit the campus to see if it suits you,” she said.

“Knowing whether you can see yourself thriving where you go to university is really important, because if you are enjoying the other aspects of your life you are better prepared to tackle the educational aspect.”