Exciting education

“If you aren’t excited to be in the classroom, the students won’t be either.”

Those words have been Kim Mooney’s mission statement since she began in the classroom 34 years ago. She continues to embrace excitement and learning in her role as Assistant Principal Religion Identity and Mission at St Virgil’s College in Hobart.

Like most teachers, Kim is busy, but she still makes time to complete further study, believing in the value of growing her qualifications and knowledge. She came to ACU in 2020 to complete a Graduate Certificate of Religious Education.  

Expanding her knowledge

“When I was offered, and accepted, a job as Assistant Principal Religious Education, I did so having never previously taught religious education. Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) offered a four-day accreditation program, for those without previous relevant undergraduate study, which counted towards several degrees with ACU. I applied for a scholarship with BCE and was accepted into ACU to complete my graduate certificate and I’m now working towards completing a Master of Religious Education,” said Kim.

“All my lecturers have been amazing. I have particularly appreciated their understanding around balancing family, full-time work and study. They have all been available for questions and very giving of their time.

“What I have learnt through my studies has made me a better religious education teacher. It has helped me to develop my knowledge and challenged many preconceptions I had. The assignments I completed were often teacher resources that myself and my staff were able to put straight into use in the classroom. 

“The course has also helped me grow in confidence as a leader and an educator. With each module that I complete, I feel more competent in my role in leading the religious life of the college and the development of the religious curriculum.

“I have recently begun a new position here in Hobart, so I will be responsible for developing programs and the Catholic identity of the college. The study I have completed has provided me with the confidence to not only undertake this in a new college, but in a new state.” 

Embedding empathy

Kim is passionate about passing what she learns onto her students and transforming their lives and the lives of those around them.

“The satisfaction I get from my job is not from test scores of my students or their academic achievement. It is from the knowledge that what I do makes a difference and shapes the person they will become, in however a small way,” said Kim.

“I am most proud of the social outreach programs I have developed, bringing students, older people and the homeless together. They are practical programs that bring the students face-to-face with these groups in our society. It is easy to donate money. It is harder to sit down with people, to hear their stories with an empathetic heart and to go away and do something about the inequalities that exist. 

“Matthew:25 tells us not to walk past someone who is thirsty, hungry or in need. These social justice programs help our students to walk this path, to be empathetic and do something practical to help those less fortunate and that gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

“There aren’t too many other jobs where every day is different, and you have the ability to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

Back to the beginning

Helping to create better citizens is right where Kim wants to be and she draws tremendous satisfaction from her role. Though she happily admits it wasn’t her first career choice.

“I planned to be a parks and wildlife ranger. Sadly, it became quickly evident that I was allergic to everything in the bush, and that was not the job for me. I did a graduate diploma in teaching not realising at the time it would be become a lifelong vocation and not just a ‘job’,” said Kim.

“Since I started teaching, I think the highlights are still the same. It’s the joy you see in a student’s face when they ‘get’ that concept you are covering, it’s the connection you have with the students and it’s knowing that you make a difference, even if it’s not immediately evident.

“A student messaged me recently to say thank you. They had finished school a few years ago but wrote to me to say that they wanted me to know that at their lowest point, whilst at school, I had been there for them, and they had never forgotten what I had done for them. It’s those moments that remind you why you are a teacher.”

And her advice for those just starting out as teachers?

“Be kind to yourself, you won’t get everything right at the beginning. Seek out the positive people around you, avoid the negative ones and find a mentor that will support you and lift you.”

Learn more about where a postgraduate degree in religious education can take you.