Meet the teacher: Mrs Bronwyn van Dyk, Prep Teacher, Officer Campus

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

I always enjoyed looking after children and I wanted a profession where I could help others grow and learn. I also felt God leading me to a teacher from a young age.

Tell us a little about your background in teaching.

I taught in South Africa for ten years teaching 4-year-olds. My family and I moved to Australia several years ago. Since teaching at Heritage College, I have taught different year levels, although Prep has been my favourite so far!

What is your biggest challenge in the classroom?

My biggest challenge is to make sure all students feel loved, accepted and special. I challenge myself to make my classroom and lessons interesting and engaging for every child. I want them to love learning and always try to improve themselves.

What book are you reading, or what would we find on your podcast list? What do you love to learn about?

I am currently loving to learn about the best practice to teach reading. It is so interesting to see what research says about how best to teach a child to read, and how I can change my practice to reflect that.

Who inspires you and why?

Jesus inspires me. He was the greatest teacher and people came just to hear him teach. I always want to reflect Him in my teaching.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?

I love seeing the children grow and develop throughout the year. I love the excitement when they see their growth from the beginning of the year to the end.

When you're not teaching, what do you do in your downtime? Do you have interests or hobbies?

I love spending time with my family. I love to read and run, although I don't have as much time anymore to run as much as I would like to.