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'Eerie feeling': Rural teacher reveals issue millions of Aussies don't
get
(HTM) Source
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**Melanie Grant is the English co-ordinator at Murrayville Community
College, three hours east of Adelaide on the Victorian side of the
border.**
**Here, she shares in her words what it's like teaching in a rural
town.**
There was a strange, eerie feeling in my English class as hail came
down in December.
The students sat there, disheartened and worried, knowing their
parents were concerned about the crops and what would happen if there
was any more rain, let alone hail damage.
Of course, you're not going to get them to sit there and do their work
when they're worried about that.
It's moments like these that highlight the unique challenges of
teaching in rural communities — challenges that many people outside of
these areas simply don't understand.
I never imagined myself as a teacher, not until I was in Year 12
trying to decide my future.
Growing up, my family valued education deeply. They were the ones who
ignited my love for learning.
We'd sit together, discussing news, sharing opinions, playing games in
the car, like listing all the prime ministers of Australia or naming
dinosaurs.
Looking back, I realise teaching and a love for learning was always in
my blood. I was just yet to know it.
When the time came to choose a career path, I felt lost. But I knew I
wanted to make a difference, especially in rural communities like the
one I grew up in.
I wanted to be that supportive and inspiring figure for kids who might
not have had the same opportunities or support at home.
So, I took a leap and decided to pursue teaching. It felt like a
natural fit — I loved reading, I loved learning, and I wanted to share
that passion.
I ended up in the Northern Territory for my teaching rounds, and that
experience changed everything.
It made me realise that where you teach matters just as much as what
you teach.
I'm a country girl at heart, and I knew I wanted to give back to
communities like the one that shaped me.
I was fortunate to be one of 30 participants in the Teachers Mutual
Bank and Bell Shakespeare Mentorship Program in 2016. This was a
turning point for me. It helped me discover my love for Shakespeare
and gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone as a new
graduate.
Suddenly, teaching Macbeth wasn't something to dread — it was
something to embrace, to make exciting and relevant for my students.
Over the years, I've seen the impact of my teaching in countless
moments. From a student acing a test they once failed to delivering
moving speeches, each moment reaffirms why I do what I do.
It's the little victories that keep me going — the moments when I see
a spark of understanding in a student's eyes or witness their growth
and resilience.
Innovation is key to my teaching philosophy. I love challenging myself
and my students, whether it's transforming Macbeth into a CSI
investigation or organising a drive-in movie night for the community.
Every class is an opportunity to try something new, to spark curiosity
and creativity in my students.
Teaching in a regional school has its challenges, but it's also
incredibly rewarding.
The sense of community and connection is palpable, and I wouldn't
trade it for anything. Positive feedback from students, colleagues,
and parents fuels my passion and reminds me why I chose this path.
Looking ahead, I hope to see greater appreciation and support for
teachers.
We're not just educators — we're mentors, role models, and advocates
for our students' futures.
By celebrating the dedication and passion of teachers, we can create a
brighter future for education and empower the next generation of
learners.
And speaking of eliminations, there's one word I'd love to eradicate
from the conversation and that's "just".
I'm not "just" a teacher. I'm proud to be a teacher, and I refuse to
downplay the importance of my profession.
Teaching is the beginning for all other careers, and teachers have
such an amazing opportunity to see the beginning of how students are
inspired and learn.
I love that we see their potential and can help foster that. So, let's
celebrate teachers for the incredible work they do and the impact they
have on countless lives.
Teaching is the cornerstone of all careers, shaping future leaders and
demanding respect and support. However, it often faces unacknowledged
challenges. To enhance the support and respect for teachers, three key
changes are needed.
Firstly, we must see more positive media coverage, highlighting
teachers' dedication and achievements. Secondly, we should shift focus
from counting hours to valuing diverse contributions within the school
community. Lastly, there should be greater recognition of the demands
and emotional toll of teaching, fostering collaboration and
appreciation for educators' tireless efforts.
Read related topics:Adelaide
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