Samantha is a dedicated mother of five from Derby, and is someone who has devoted over a decade to the Education Department. She is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for children to thrive academically and personally. Her journey into the field of education began over 14 years ago when she first stepped into a classroom as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer. Witnessing the transformative power of education firsthand, she was inspired to pursue a career in teaching.
As a mother she is reminded of the immense responsibility and joy that comes with nurturing young minds, the invaluable lessons about patience, empathy, and the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
She firmly believes education is the key to unlocking doors of opportunity and breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. By providing children with access to quality education, we are not only equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed academically but also empowering them to become compassionate, informed, and engaged members of society.
She feels more Indigenous teachers are needed to bring about educational transformation. Participating in the “On Country” program has opened doors for her to participate in additional pedagogical practices at my school, expanding her horizons and providing her with invaluable experience. She also feels every child should have the chance to go to school, and that education can help close the gap between Australia’s indigenous and non-indigenous communities.