Shimona Driver

Teacher in Catholic Education of Western Australia

Bachelor of Education (Primary) & Bachelor of Behavioural Science | Class of 2015
Currently undertaking a Masters in Education (Curriculum)

Tell us about your career journey since graduating and how your education helped prepare you for it?

Since graduating in 2015 I have worked as a teacher over the last six years for the Department of Education. I have taught students in Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 from 2016-2021.  My undergraduate experience taught me: content knowledge, pedagogical skills, planning, creating and maintaining safe environments, assessing and engaging professionally with colleagues.

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree at Notre Dame?

After being in the workforce for four years I felt it was time to go back to Notre Dame to learn more. I started my Masters in Curriculum on a part-time basis in 2020. In 2022 I have started teaching at a Catholic K-12 College. I chose to do my postgraduate at Notre Dame, because I know Notre Dame shaped me to be a knowledgeable, skilful, moral, conscientious, resilient and joyful educator.

What advice would you give to others thinking of postgraduate study?

I think postgraduate study is a phenomenal opportunity to obtain contemporary knowledge and to apply what you have learnt within the classroom.

How do you balance study, work and other commitments?

It can be challenging balancing work, study and other commitments. I am very intentional about how and with whom I spend my time and energy. I use forward planning to ensure I have time to complete my assignments, work-related tasks, volunteering at Sacred Heart Thornlie as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Minister for the Sick and volunteering at The Perth Observatory. In my spare time, I love attending Catholic events, spending time with my family and friends, going to the gym, listening to podcasts, reading and spending time at the beach or hiking.

Who or what inspires you and why?

My divine inspiration is Jesus, because I am inspired by his life and teachings to be the best version of myself and to serve others. Next, my mum is an exemplary educator and she has always emphasised the vitality of education. Furthermore, my grandmother had always told me: study lots, pray a lot and move forward in life. Finally, this quote by B.B. King motivates me: “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you”. Education is eternal and that is… exquisite.

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