Emily Robinson is a Year 3 teacher at St Therese Catholic Primary School, Mascot, with five years of teaching experience. Inspired by her mother’s dedication to supporting students, Emily’s passion for teaching is rooted in kindness, empathy, and helping children grow both academically and personally, creating a safe, supportive classroom where students feel valued, confident, and encouraged to try their best. Emily finds great joy in witnessing her students’ growth, resilience, and moments of self-discovery, and she cherishes the strong sense of community and values-driven learning that Catholic education provides.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration comes from a deep love of helping children grow and develop. My mother was a huge influence as she dedicated her time to helping with reading intervention at my primary school and I loved seeing her support students there. After she passed, an award was even named after her, which was really special. As the youngest in my family, I adopted the role of helping my younger cousins and nephews and that feeling of supporting others shaped my path to teaching. My passion for nurturing young minds makes every day an opportunity for growth and kindness. As you can see by the images attached, making the students enjoy their learning and allowing them to celebrate their achievements is what makes the job so great.
How does that passion shape your approach today?
My passion is rooted in the belief that kindness changes everything. I saw the huge impact dedicated teachers had on me as a child, the time, empathy and love that people, family, friends and my teachers provided me. That developed my own strong sense of empathy for my students. I know children come from all kinds of backgrounds, and providing a safe, supportive space where they feel valued is my absolute priority. I strive to make those small, positive moments in the school day that can shift a student’s entire outlook. School is a safe space for some, so providing that opportunity is something I’m really passionate about.
Can you share a moment in your career where you felt you made a difference?
I’ve been lucky to have many rewarding moments! One that stands out was when a parent approached me after their child’s Kindergarten year. They expressed how grateful they were for my efforts and said both they and their child were genuinely hopeful I would move up to teach the older grades! It was such a heartfelt compliment and a wonderful validation of the connection we had built.
What keeps you inspired?
The growth in kindness and resilience I see in my class is what truly keeps me going. Our favourite saying is ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’ Watching students practice daily gratitude and healthy habits is heartwarming. Knowing they want to share their most exciting moments with me every Monday morning confirms the safe space I’ve provided. That sense of belonging is my ‘why.’
Tell us about a student’s confidence transforming
I recently saw a student’s confidence truly blossom. She started the year struggling with working with others and would refuse to complete tests. By taking time and care and working alongside her previous teacher we built a secure classroom environment. Just a few weeks ago, after a test, she came to me and said, ‘I didn’t get them all right, but I did try my best, and that’s all that matters.’ That moment showed incredible growth in self-acceptance and resilience, which is a lasting difference.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The best part is experiencing the wholeheartedness of our community. I love seeing everyone come together for meaningful moments that focus on current issues and celebrating various faith days – these bring the students so much joy. The simple joy of storytelling activities and seeing the children’s hearts open up, leading them to create kind experiences, is deeply rewarding. Hearing their ‘I wonder’ responses is always pretty special.
What is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education provides a sense of values and identity. It consistently models acts of kindness, respect, and compassion. By creating a safe space and teaching these fundamental morals, Catholic education aims to make a positive difference in the world and inspires children to use their gifts to show care, generosity and kindness to others.