Kristyn Comino
8 July 2015: Following his passion into what he calls an "honourable pursuit", University of Canberra Bachelor of Education student Ben Shoard has been awarded a $5,000 Teachers Mutual Bank Future Teacher Scholarship 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?'"
