Monique Jackson

What year did you graduate VHS?

I graduated from Vincentia High School in 2013.

Where are you working now and in what role?

I received my first teaching job at Vincentia High School towards the end of my Masters of Teaching degree in 2018 and I have been working here since. I am currently a Visual Arts, Photographic & Digital Media and English teacher at VHS, and have also taught Technology Mandatory and Visual Design.

What do you love about your job?

I love being a part of the Vincentia High School community and being able to give back as a teacher in a school where I was educated and guided to my current position. I love being able to teach in areas that I am passionate about and create a safe and supportive space where students can learn and discover their own passions.

Did anyone at VHS inspire you to follow your chosen career path?

All my teachers throughout my time as a VHS student were amazing. However, I did not consider becoming a teacher as a career choice until I had Mrs Sutton in Year 10, 11 and 12 Visual Arts. It was in Visual Arts that Ms Karena Sutton fostered my passion for the arts and my medium of graphite, and in particular my love for the Critical and Historical Study of art. I had Ms Renee Gilbert for Advanced English, Extension 1 and Extension 2, and her passion for all things English and teaching was contagious. Mr Andrew Newton was my Year Advisor throughout my VHS experience, and I have fond memories of Mr Newton bringing me four pieces of gluten free toast every morning on Year 7 camp and his endless supply of Freddo Frogs.  I feel lucky that I have been able to come full circle and not only work with the teachers at VHS that inspired me, but also work in their respective faculties and subject areas and be mentored by them as a colleague.

Did you have many challenges to get to where you are now?

I have been incredibly lucky and have not had many challenges to overcome to get to where I am now. I knew where I wanted to be and what needed to be done to get there, so that kept me focused.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

My advice for our current students is to try their personal best throughout school so you can know how much you are capable of – you are capable of so much! Try and finish school with minimal regrets and make it as positive of an experience as possible. You only go through high school once, so make the absolute most of it.