A passion for teaching - Penny Weily

A passion for teaching led Penny Weily to undertake a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood at Griffith University.

She teaches physical education from prep to Year 3 at Algester Primary School as part of the State Government’s Smart Moves Program to get children more physically active.

“My focus is more on developing a love for physical activity, having fun in a non-competitive environment and being part of a team,” she said.
 
Spending most of her 19-year teaching career in early years, Penny said she wanted to study the grad cert to broaden her knowledge and to help give her the best teaching and learning environment for her students.

“Up-to-date theory and practice should be part of all ongoing professional development, but this has provided a much greater depth to my understanding.
 
“It’s also helped me apply cutting-edge pedagogy within my classroom as well as outside it.”
 
Despite having a hip ailment requiring extensive surgery since she was 18-months old, Penny excelled at sport. She also loved working with babies and toddlers so completed an Associate Diploma in Early Childhood at the Brisbane College of Advanced Education (now Griffith) and then a Diploma in Teaching (Primary).
 
She spent five years teaching in the UK, before returning to Australia where she had her three children. After her third child was born she began teaching preschool.
 
“I’m amazed at how much I’ve learnt over the past two years it’s taken to do the course, not only in content but also the processes involved in online learning.
 
“To be able to work at home at your own pace was a key factor in choosing the program,’’ she said.

“I’ve enjoyed updating and refocusing my knowledge on child development and theoretical perspectives on teaching and learning practice.”

Penny wants to study for her Masters of Education once she completes her graduate certificate.

“I would eventually like to develop some more leadership/managerial skills and work to assist both colleagues and students in the early years. I’m not certain where this path will take me but I’m sure I will enjoy the journey.”
 
Griffith University offers the Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood two years part-time or one-year fulltime.