S9 Ep2: Remote, Regional and Rural Teaching Experiences..."I stayed"…when placement offers a work opportunity

In this episode of series 9, Narelle Lemon (Teachers Supporting Teachers producer and professor based at Mount Lawley campus at Edith Cowan University) and her series co-host Marnie Harris (a lecturer based in the South West Campus, in Bunbury, of Edith Cowan University) are joined by special guest Connor, a graduate teacher from Edith Cowan University who loved his final placement so much that he decided to stay on at the school. Connor shares his motivations for undertaking a professional experience away from home in Collie and what drew him to the remote location in Derby. He discusses the significant differences between his remote professional experience and previous home-based placements, and explains how he prepared himself financially, emotionally, and professionally for the experience.

Connor shares how he adapted his teaching strategies to meet the needs of students in the remote setting, including challenges and successes. The role of community involvement and engagement in Connor's professional experience is explored, as well as how he connected with students, families, other teachers, and the community. He also shares a memorable or impactful moment from his professional experience and how it led to his decision to stay at the school.

The importance of self-care and wellbeing for teachers in regional, rural, and remote educational settings is discussed, and Connor shares his observations on how teachers care for each other and shift the focus away from negative aspects of teacher wellbeing. He provides his top tip for pre-service teachers considering regional, rural, and remote educational experiences and these centre around three Rs that are so powerful - risk taking, relationships and relish.