Fiona Oates has been a key part of the Macquarie Community College family since 2007. Originally starting as a part-time evening teacher, Fiona gradually took on more work as her children grew older and became more independent. Her journey into teaching began with a deep passion for supporting her community, which has only grown stronger over the years.
Career Shift into English Teaching
“When I thought about returning to work after having my children, I noticed how much my community had changed,” Fiona recalls. “There were so many people from all around the world now living in our area. I was excited by the idea of helping them settle into their new lives.”
Inspired by a friend who had started teaching English to newcomers, Fiona decided to make a career shift. With her background in Speech Pathology, she found it an easy transition to further her studies and begin teaching English to new arrivals in Australia.
The source of motivation: Connecting through English
When asked what keeps her motivated, Fiona’s answer is simple:
“It’s the students!”
She treasures the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, learning new things from them every day.
“I meet lovely people from all around the world, and they all have such interesting stories and perspectives.”
Fiona’s advice for anyone studying English is practical and empowering. She encourages her students to immerse themselves in the language as much as possible:
“Read English books, watch English television, be brave and talk to people at the back gate of your children’s school or at the bus stop, and of course, use the internet.”
A Special Moment in English Teaching
One of Fiona’s most heartwarming teaching moments came from her work with a student from Sri Lanka.
“Manohary had been at home for years, looking after her children and didn’t feel confident about studying. But as we worked together, her confidence grew. Her writing and vocabulary improved significantly, and she even started giving presentations in front of the class.”
Fiona recalls the emotional moment at the end of the course when the student thanked her with tears in her eyes.
“But it wasn’t me,” Fiona insists humbly. “I just opened the door. She was the one who walked through it.”
The Power of English Education
Fiona’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of English education to change lives. She continues to open doors for her students, helping them find their voice and their confidence, one lesson at a time.