Kristyn Comino
8 July 2015: Following his passion into what he calls an "honourable pursuit", º£½ÇÉäÇø Bachelor of Education student Ben Shoard has been awarded a $5,000 to help bring that passion to life.
To qualify for the scholarship, Mr Shoard submitted an essay where he outlined why teaching is more than just a job – arguing it is more a responsibility.
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Education student Ben Shoard has won a $5,000 scholarship to pursue his teaching dreams. Photo: Michelle McAulay
"There are a lot of skills that a teacher needs to deliver the curriculum content and it essentially comes down to their knowledge, but I also think you need to make an effort to genuinely enjoy your students company and care about their education. Teachers are in a position of power, so it's important they use that properly to have a positive influence," Mr Shoard said.
As one of just seven students across Australia selected for the scholarship, Mr Shoard said it was a bit of a surprise to receive it. He has put the funds towards a new computer and plans to also buy an iPad to use in the classroom.
The final-year student is focused on secondary teaching and is currently completing his last practical teaching experience at Goulburn High School, where he's teaching Year 8-11 maths.
"It's in how you approach the student. You need to be both friendly and knowledgeable and make sure they know there's no such thing as a stupid question," he said of teaching.
Originally from Cootamundra, the 27-year-old is currently living with his wife in Goulburn and hopes to stay in the area once he finishes his degree.
Mr Shoard is also completing a Bachelor of Science at The Australian National University. Across both degrees he is majoring in biology and maths and aims to be a maths or science teacher when he graduates.
Mr Shoard originally studied occupational therapy interstate before he went back to his true calling: teaching. He's also following something of a traditional trade in his family, as his father was a maths teacher.
"I saw how many students came to my dad's farewell and I thought 'if you can change that many lives – why wouldn't you want to be a teacher?'"