Kelli Parr transitioned from the classroom into a role as a lead teacher for students with a disability at Kepnock State High School (SHS) and believes in all her years’ experience, no position has been more varied, thrilling, challenging and overwhelmingly satisfying than her current role.
No 2 days are ever the same as a teacher. There are always lots of laughs, joy and challenges supporting the educational outcomes for students with a disability.
According to Kelli, the most important skills for the job are relationship building, a cloak of patience and a wicked sense of humour, all of which you can see when following the passionate and charismatic teacher around for a day.
Each day begins with a welcoming smile
Smiling as she drives into the school entry, the welcome sign is a daily reminder of the opportunity they have to make a difference in the lives of the children and families in the community.
Straight into setting a game plan
First thing in the morning, with a hot cup of tea, is prime time to check in at her desk and tend to any administration or additional planning that might be required.
'A lot of the workday is hands on delivery in the classroom and being diligent with setting up the day well in the morning ensures whatever turns and twists the day brings, I have a game plan of sorts,' says Kelli.
Making use of the secret weapons to maximise efficacy
Kelli and her team are equipped with some fantastic tools to assist both the teachers and the students engage. iPads help with learning access and a Sound Field Rodger system microphone (seen hanging around Kelli’s neck) allows for clarity of speech for students with sensory and hearing adjustments.
Furthermore, hand motions and physical gestures provide support to get messaging across for the students, making teaching quite the theatrical experience!
Building special connections is the main work of the day
Pictured: Miss Riah Blair and Chloe
Building trust and relationships with teachers is critical to any development in the classroom. Seeing the students’ progress in terms of social engagement, confidence and self-expression is the most fulfilling part of the job and often outweighs formal academic results.
'Whilst we have the usual targets to support the students journey through their curriculum, in our classroom, you get to experience the genuine impact you have on the student’s life, and those moments are magical,' says Kelli.
'Of course, there’s sometime tears and some outbursts of big emotions, but you don’t let it phase you, because 2 minutes later, it’s likely you’ll be in fits of laughter.'
Each class is supported by a number of incredible teacher aides (TA) who play a critical role in ensuring the student’s inclusion in the classroom. They provide students with the individualised care and support they need.
'Shout out to our wonderful TAs, we’d be lost without them,' muses Kelli.
Making an impact through life changing programs
Pictured: Miss Kathryn (Kat) Burns, Georgia, Kaylee, Juanita and Alyssa.
Kepnock SHS is fortunate to be one of the only high schools in Australia to offer an in-person peer support program through ‘Little Dreamers.’ The program is predominately for students who have a shared background as primary carers within their home environment and is essential for creating a shared community for the students to engage with.
'These resilient, generous and brilliant kids are truly an inspiration and a pleasure,' says Kelli.
Checking in as a team keeps us energised
Pictured: Mrs. Kelli Parr, Miss Kathryn (Kat) Burns and Mrs. Dee Riley
After each Little Dreamers day, Kelli sits with the facilitators to debrief and check in on how the students are travelling and if any adjustments and supports need to be put in place.
At the end of the day, it’s all cheese and crackers
The best days are when the school has an event or special occasion where everyone comes together. A couple of Kelli’s students are renowned for their infamous cheese platters, which are always requested and always go down a treat.