Name: Anna Garofalo
Years at Salesian College Chadstone? 35 years
What initially inspired you to become a teacher, and how has that motivation evolved over your career?
My teacher from High School, Mr Alan Chawner. He was so patient and kind and never gave up on any of his students, including me.
In your opinion, what are the most important qualities or skills that a successful teacher should possess?
Patience and understanding – and, know your content. When you know your content, you will see that it makes sense when you are presenting it. Also, allow the students to ‘share’. It’s not always about the ‘right answer’. A student’s thoughts can be correct but they may struggle to articulate it. When you take time to listen and give space to that, you can see their thought process.
Relationships are fundamental to learning – which you excel in. What strategies have you found most effective in fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment?
Using your intuition and gut to ascertain what is happening in the classroom is important; this comes with experience, but so does ‘knowing your students and how they learn’, so, invest in them and they will invest in the subject. Allowing all your students to have a voice, is pivotal – that’s what the real-world environment is all about. It also builds confidence and resilience.
How do you maintain your passion and enthusiasm for teaching after so many years in the profession?
New content, reading pedagogy, attending PD’s and a supportive family at home. The amount of times I ask my family to collect this or ‘can we stop here?’ while I take a photo of a great visual I can use in the classroom – that’s what keeps me going. Oh and new students, new challenges and new findings is what keeps my enthusiasm.
Can you share a teaching philosophy or guiding principle that has guided you throughout your career?
Hard work pays off. What you put in, is what you get out, so as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?
When your students say, “thank you, that was a great lesson.” Oh, and if they see you in public they come and say hello.
Read more about how Anne’s teaching philosophy has helped students like Class of 2005 Richard Tomaino embrace their creativity in their lives after school.
