Belinda first realised her true joy in life was working with children while working as a drama counsellor at summer camp in the USA. This sparked an incredible teaching career journey that would take her from the coast to the outback and into school leadership roles she never imagined at the start.
From the outset, Belinda’s journey has been shaped by her adaptability, a love of adventure and a deep passion for making a difference in her community. ‘I’ve always said yes to everything and been happy to have a go,’ she explains. ‘This is something that I found out very early on that has helped in my career progression.’
Belinda started teaching on the Sunshine Coast before taking the plunge into teaching in rural and remote communities. This decision led Belinda and her family to relocate to Winton, and later to Barcaldine in Central West Queensland, ‘both fabulous places to live’ she says. In Barcaldine, she embraced a coaching role across a cluster of schools, discovering unique professional growth opportunities that are available in remote settings.
‘A great benefit [of teaching in rural and remote schools] has been the way I have been able to step into leadership and to take on permanent roles that are difficult to find back in the South-East’. Belinda explains. Her advice for those considering a similar path, is ‘Research, research, research… and embrace opportunities when presented to you.’
After returning to the Sunshine Coast, Belinda’s openness, and her and her husband’s ‘itchy feet’, soon had the family heading west again. Supported by departmental leadership programs, Belinda advanced from leading a small school of just 53 students, to deputy principal in Moranbah, and now principal at Longreach State School.
Belinda encourages preservice and beginning teachers to ‘enjoy the job, celebrate the small wins, call home when a student has done something great. Ask for help when you need it… sometimes if something is tricky or you don’t know how to do it let them [your leadership team] know.’
Looking back, Belinda reflects ‘I’ve received amazing support from the department over my career. Through leadership development programs, professional development, wellbeing and support during my move to various locations,’
Her final word of wisdom to anyone considering a career in teaching is, ‘Teaching can be a wild but an amazingly cool adventure. Embrace the adventure and say yes to opportunities when they open up to you. You never know where it might take you!’
If you’ve been inspired by Belinda’s journey and want to explore where teaching could take you, there’s no better opportunity than our career fairs.
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