Teachers Aide work may seem challenging for some but, according to Yvonne (Toot) Keegan, every day is worth coming to school for.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“I don’t find the job at all challenging ... I just love the job that I do,” she said.
Ms Keegan began working as a teacher’s aide 15 years ago and has never looked back.
Starting out as a volunteer, Ms Keegan was drawn to Anson Street School because of her love for children.
“I always wanted to be a teacher and becoming a teacher’s aide was the next best thing,” she said.
“I love the atmosphere of the school and the kids.
“Every day I wake up and look forward to coming to work.
Every day is different and I enjoy the variety of work.”
It is her belief that through the school she is able to teach children by other means, not just through academics.
“We teach the children life skills, for example, they help out in the school’s canteen, which teaches them about work ethics,” she said.
Ms Keegan currently teaches 14 to 16 year olds and has had the opportunity to organise work experience for some of the students at Waratah Sports Club and Iko Iko hairdressing salon.
Ms Keegan says she enjoys the perks of working at a special school, which include sailing and weekend excursions.
Weekend trips to Sydney Rugby League matches and competing in the City to Surf each year are just some of the activities she gets the students involved in.
As assistant coach of the school’s athletics and swimming teams she also gets to engage in her own personal passion for sport.
In between her busy teachers’ aide duties, Toot finds time to coach the Westoil netball team and the Orange Bush Nippers Life Saving Club.
Anson Street School has recently upgraded its gym to include new exercise equipment in a bid to encourage the students to practise a healthier lifestyle, and Ms Keegan thinks it is important for child development.
“We try to promote an active lifestyle to the kids through healthy eating and exercise,” she said.
Gym sessions are part of the students’ daily routine and Ms Keegan says they really enjoy getting active.
Not only regarded as a fantastic teachers’ aide by fellow colleagues, Ms Keegan is also loved by the students of Anson Street School and is considered a vital part of the teaching team.
