VH Woman: Courtney

Quick one sentence sum up of your life/who you are?

Remember Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus? That’s me.

What is the most rewarding part about being a teacher? 

Such a hard question! There are so many rewarding aspects of teaching children. I think when I am able to help them be more confident and feel great about themselves and overcome obstacles that they never thought they’d be able to do. 

What led you to become a teacher?

Well, I have always seen myself being a teacher but straight out of school I took the more creative route and studied graphic design. I loved it, however, I quickly realised that it wouldn’t satisfy me long-term. After some travelling and soul-searching (classic), I decided to return to my original passion and become a primary school teacher and I definitely found what I was missing before.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out on their teaching journey?

The first term is the hardest!

You're also an illustrator, how do you balance doing that and also being a teacher?

I am! I’m still working on getting that balance right. The school holidays are great for doing a lot of my illustration work. I think because illustration doesn’t feel like a job, it’s a nice way to switch off from teaching for a little bit. 

What would you tell your 20 year old self?

Don’t cut your own fringe. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Act out of kindness. Simple but so important.