Making country connections

Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship

Following in the footsteps of his father, a teacher and school principal, Matt Sullivan is in his fourth year of his double degree of a Bachelor of Education (Middle & Secondary School) and Bachelor of Arts at Flinders University.

Matt was keen to gain teaching experience in the country and completed his practical teaching placement at the regional John Pirie Secondary School in Port Pirie.

"I want to gain as much experience as I can before I began my career and I always hear so much positive talk about teaching in regional communities," says Matt. "But I knew I would need as much help as possible living an extended amount of time in a place I have never been before."

Matt applied for an Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship to cover his living expenses during his country teaching placement - including accommodation, food and resources for teaching.

"It was a big help to my state of mind as it’s taken a lot of the financial stress away," says Matt. "It helped me concentrate on what is really important during my placement and it allowed me to become a member of the community through sports and networking with other placement teachers."

Matt says the highlight of his placement has been seeing how the school operates and the strategies in place to develop the best possible learning outcomes. But his favourite moment was witnessing one of his students opening up when giving him a tour of a special garden area designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

"He pointed out all the plants, their uses for medicine and eating and their different ecosystems. Usually hard to engage, he was so passionate and willing to explain to me everything he knew. It really was amazing to see how he changed between different areas of learning."

Matt believes the best thing about being in a rural location is the strong sense of community. "Everyone was so willing to help me settle in and get to know me. I joined a local soccer club so I immediately had connections to people within the community and the school."

Initially nervous about working in the country, Matt says "the people within the school made it so easy for me, and I am open to the possibility of working in the country after I finish my degree."

"It has been an amazing experience and I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity."

^{Published: 2020. Author: Lynda Allen}