Eliza-Jane Kerr is a Year 5/6 teacher at Star of the Sea Primary School in Cleveland, now in her fourth year of teaching. Inspired by her mother and early experiences teaching young children, she is passionate about creating classrooms where students feel valued, confident, and supported. Guided by her faith, Eliza-Jane fosters kindness, respect, and belonging, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through her work, she demonstrates how Catholic education nurtures both minds and hearts, encouraging students to live with compassion and empathy.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my mum, who is also a teacher. Seeing the incredible work she did and hearing her stories about supporting students made me want to do the same. I also spent a lot of time working with younger children through lifesaving, where I had the opportunity to teach them important skills. That experience helped me realise how much I love teaching and sharing knowledge with others.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
One of the most rewarding moments in my teaching journey was supporting a student who was very quiet and hesitant to speak in class. Over time, by creating a safe and encouraging environment, I helped build her confidence; not just to speak in front of her peers, but to present at assemblies, masses, and even small presentations. Now, she volunteers to speak and present, which is such a powerful transformation to witness.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
One story that really stayed with me was a Year 3 student who told me their goal for the year was to learn how to tie their shoe. We worked on it together, and when they finally achieved that goal, they were so proud. They were so thankful that someone had taken the time to teach them. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest moments can have the biggest impact and that learning isn’t just about academics, it’s about life skills and building confidence too.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My faith is at the heart of how I teach. It guides me to create a classroom environment that’s built on compassion, patience, and respect. I strive to see the potential in every student, and to support them not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Faith reminds me to lead with kindness, to be present, and to consider each student’s unique story, understanding how their experiences shape the way they learn and engage in the classroom.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
For me, it’s the strong sense of belonging and connectedness to the community. Teaching in a Catholic school means being part of something bigger where faith, values, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do. There’s a shared commitment to supporting one another, and that creates a really special environment for both students and staff. Our school takes part in Lighthouse Keeper projects throughout the year inspired by the values of Love, Service, and Compassion, which allow us to support communities in need. These experiences bring joy and purpose to my role as a teacher, and they inspire students to lead with kindness and empathy both in and beyond the classroom.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education plays a vital role in shaping not just minds, but hearts. It helps young people grow into thoughtful, empathetic individuals who understand their responsibility to care for others and contribute to positive change. By fostering strong, values-based communities, Catholic schools create spaces where students feel a deep sense of belonging and are encouraged to explore their faith, ask meaningful questions, and live out Gospel values in everyday life. I went to both a Catholic primary school and high school and continued my studies at Australian Catholic University. I attribute many of the positive qualities I model in the classroom each day to growing up in an environment that fostered a strong sense of belonging and community.