Sarah Bradstock
Science Teacher, Mount St Benedict College
“Every student has a different lock, you just have to find the right key”.
It is this connected approach that has won the hearts and minds of Science teacher Sarah Bradstock’s students, as she has spent her career looking for that bond that, as she says, gives her “permission to teach.” Sarah teaches at Mount St Benedict College, and it became clear through a school based teacher feedback process – Benny’s Best of the Best – what her students thought of her: “Not just informative, but also engaging”, “Her classes are genuinely exciting”, and “she makes complect concepts enjoyable.”
Sarah’s love of science came from her starting her working life as a vet, however she began to realise that in creating pamphlets about looking after pets, and showing her clients how to do so, that it was teaching she truly loved. She then returned to university to get her teaching degree, and she has not looked back. She has worked across several Independent girls’ schools, and loves seeing the light go on in students’ eyes when they “get” a new idea or topic. Sarah fondly remembers her English teacher, Mrs Benoit, who she felt really knew her students, and was so knowledgeable about her subject and willing to connect that she inspired Sarah’s thinking about her own practice.
Sarah’s colleagues remark on her humble approach to teaching, always willing to try a new or different way to connect with her students. They also admire her collaboration and collegiality, something Sarah has shared beyond her school in her textbook writing.
Sarah strongly believes that as a teacher, she never stops learning, growing and improving, and she feels privileged to be in a room with young people and share their energy. She has great hopes for the coming generation, seeing their passion, and is thrilled that she is part of their journey.
AISNSW and GANE are proud to present Sarah Bradstock as the first in our series of celebrating teachers. We thank Sarah and Mt St Benedict’s for sharing her story with us.
We firmly believe that recognising and paying tribute to exceptional educators is fundamental in nurturing an environment that consistently inspires and encourages the community.
Teacher Feature is a part of the Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE) initiative. Nominate a dedicated teacher from your school to be featured in a future edition of Education News.