As a trained electrical telecommunications engineer who researched digital technology for radio and TV broadcasting systems for 11 years, Hanna had the perfect background to make the switch to teaching.
'Training other engineers was a part of my job as well which I really enjoyed,' Hanna said. 'I was always passionate about sharing my knowledge with others, so it was an easy choice to make.'
Hanna now teaches junior and senior mathematics, junior science and senior physics, plus coordinates Year 8 science.
'The Year 8 coordination role involves writing teaching plans and assessments and very importantly collaborating with the other year level science teachers,' Hanna said.
Teaching pathway
'When I completed my master's degree in engineering at the Queensland University of Technology I was highly involved in the teaching programs there and worked simultaneously as an associate lecturer.
'I loved doing that too and am proud to say in 2014 I received an award for the most inspiring and influential teaching practice in QUT sessional teaching.
'After I completed my Master's degree, I decided to become a teacher and completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at QUT.'
'The most influential job in the world'
Hanna said her role gives her an enormous amount of satisfaction.
'As a teacher you will inspire and educate young people and shape the future generation,' she said. 'That is the most influential job in the world I believe.'
'The most exciting and enchanting part of teaching for me is when a student says 'I got it' and also when I can see that they like and enjoy their learning.
'It's pretty special too when you get to watch happy faces after an assessment is returned—that is the greatest and most rewarding part.'
Sharing a passion
Hanna said students' enthusiasm and easy adoption of new technology into their learning often surprises her.
'For example, it's great to see how much they enjoy the computer-based interactive activities or simulators as well as digital sensors and data loggers in the physics experiments—they learn them so well and fast that sometimes they discover new features and share them with me, which is nice.
'It helps that I am so passionate about math and physics—I have always enjoyed both subjects starting from school. Becoming an electrical telecommunication engineer was an informed choice as it let me apply my knowledge of these two fascinating topics to solve real world problems and improve people's lives via technology.'
Family time
Equally, Hanna said her work–life balance is important to her.
'The most important part of my life outside of school is my family and I spend most of my spare time with them,' Hanna said. 'We try to have quality time together and enjoy every moment from when we have a meal to when we plan for a day out or holiday.'
A career with impact
'Teaching is a unique job; as a teacher you can experiment every day, reflect on that, plan your next day differently and most importantly improve every day.
'On the other hand, you can make an amazing impact on the life of young people and their future—I love it.'
Want to share your passion?
Find out how to become a teacher.