With a passion for storytelling, sport, and student connection, Adam Munro is already proving that great teachers can make a big impact early in their careers. Since joining Mary MacKillop College, Nundah, in 2023, the English and Media Arts teacher has brought creativity and enthusiasm to every aspect of school life—from launching the popular Words of Wisdom podcast to coaching volleyball and athletics. Recognised with the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary) at the recent Brisbane Catholic Education’s 2025 Excellence Awards, Adam’s approach to teaching reflects a deep commitment to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community both inside and beyond the classroom.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I really loved school and a big part of that was due to some of the incredible teachers I was lucky enough to have growing up. They’re passion for what they taught was infectious and ignited a love of learning in English and across the Arts (particularly Drama and Film, Television and New Media FTVNM). So, in becoming a teacher, what inspired me was that hope of sharing my own passion with every student that will enter my class, so that they too are sparked with that joy for learning about the power of storytelling and how it can shape our understanding of the world around us.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
During one of my teaching placements, I was in the ‘Flexi classroom’ (a composite class of students in Years 7 to 9). What presented as an initially challenging learning environment, became the most rewarding experience I’ve had in my teaching career to date. Through the guidance of my incredible mentor, I was able to see the power in persistence and consistency for students experiencing challenging personal circumstances outside of school. That placement was about small wins like a student who went from being disengaged in school to showing up on time or from inappropriate language to a smile and a “how was your weekend, sir?”.
From silence when asking questions for a class discussion, to laughter and seeing a student raising their hand for the first time ever. Being patient, consistent and abandoning attachment to ‘outcomes’ allowed me to see some of these students reveal a glimmer of opportunity for their potential to learn. Considering the ‘whole story’ for a student has always been a mantra for me ever since that experience, and the small wins made the challenge so rewarding.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
I was fortunate enough to visit Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney as part of the Josephite Colloquium in 2024. The experience was an incredible opportunity to not only immerse myself in the history of the Josephite charism but also ground myself in how we can make an impact as an individual in what is an overwhelming society today. It can be very easy to feel overwhelmed as a teacher today. The greatest gift I received at this conference was the release in knowing that we as teachers don’t have a duty to “solve everything” or to be “everything” for everyone. We simply must focus on one thing at a time and do that well. We simply plant the seeds that we may never see grow and take humility and comfort in knowing that we made an effort (however big or small) to leave the world a little brighter for someone else. That’s a powerful gift, and something I try to remind myself often when the going gets tough and the feeling of guilt that we’re not doing enough creeps in.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
I’m inspired by the values of Mary MacKillop- particularly her boldness. She had a courageous vision to nurture the vulnerable and ‘forgotten’, and despite many setbacks she never let her spirit wain. Maintaining bold hope of each and every student reaching their potential, even when they might make it hard, is something I try to meet.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
It’s such a joy-filled community! There is a unique quality as part of a Catholic school where joy is regularly and purposefully found in life’s little things, which is then transformed into meaningful celebrations. Having a community where time is dedicated to come together, share gratitude and be joyous is a blessing.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
In a society that emphasises achievement and success above all else, I believe a Catholic education plays a crucial role in developing the ‘whole person’. ‘Tipping the scales’ so we also value strong, committed and kind people is so important.
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