"You can guarantee an action-packed day that is full of thrills and spills, with no day ever being the same."
Year 4 Teacher, Challis Community Primary School. WA Beginning Teacher of the Year 2016.
Mark studied Bachelor of Science (Honours) Exercise and Sport Science at University of Exeter and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) at Edith Cowan University.
"I came to teaching a little bit later in life than most graduates but since making the change to teaching, I’ve never looked back.
"Over 12 years ago I was living in London and working as a consultant to Arsenal Football Club and then coached elite youth at The Football Association. When I moved to Perth, I began working as a development coach at Perth Glory but started to feel that a career in football wasn’t the right fit for me anymore. When I thought about what else I could do, teaching seemed like a natural choice after coaching young players for so long. My wife is also a teacher so I knew a lot about the profession from her.
"I’m now in my fourth year with the Department of Education at Challis Community Primary School. I completed my final teaching placement there and loved it, and they must have loved me as I was won a position there for the following year.
"I was recently recognised as the WA Beginning Teacher of the Year in the WA Education Awards 2016 and I am looking forward to all the opportunities it will offer in terms of professional development.
"As a teacher you can guarantee an action-packed day that is full of thrills and spills, with no day ever being the same. Add to this the fabulous relationships you build with students, parents and the wider community and the reward for your efforts is always fulfilling. The holidays are bonus as well!
"Sometimes it can be hard because you never get to switch off. There is no finish line to learning. Once a student has acquired a new skill or completed the next task, you move on. It is by no means a 9-3 job! It can be hard work, challenging and difficult; however, if you have a passion for learning and a passion for working with people, teaching is a profession for you."