Jillian Reidy, Highly Accomplished Teacher, The Henry Lawson High School

Geographic barriers were not going to stop Jillian Reidy on her journey to becoming one of the state’s highest certified teachers.

Jillian grew up in country Coonabarabran and, after some time working in industry, she returned to teaching. She secured her first permanent teaching position in Grenfell, the birthplace of Henry Lawson.

Jillian has not looked back, committing to her career at The Henry Lawson High School ever since.

Jillian runs a single staff art faculty and is a highly respected member of the school and broader community.

'There is something different about being a teacher in a country town,' explains Jillian.

'I think the students bring a different character, a sense of responsibility and work ethic that comes from working and living on the land.'

'For me it’s not about a student getting the best mark, or going on to University or tertiary study, although it is great when students achieve at a high standard, but rather about building their self-confidence,' she adds.

Prior to pursuing higher-level accreditation, Jillian spent 18 months as a Connected Learning Coach. It was in this National Partnership Initiative role that Jillian first started mentoring teachers, travelling across the central west of NSW, from Condobolin to Wyangala Dam and everywhere in between, to support and train her regional colleagues in the use of ICT in the classroom.

It wasn’t too much of a stretch for Jillian when higher level accreditation was suggested. However, being based in a small country school with the closest member of the HALT community more than one-and-a-half hours away had its challenges.

'I liked the challenge of it and I also like to finish what I start,' says Jillian.

'It is about keeping my knowledge current and helping others.'