For nearly three decades, Leesa Ellul has dedicated her career to helping children discover the joy of learning while ensuring every student feels valued, supported and capable of success.
As an Instructional Coach, Middle Leader and Year 1 teacher at Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow, she combines a deep commitment to evidence-based teaching with a strong belief in the dignity of every child.
Grounded in her Catholic faith, Leesa is passionate about creating classrooms where students flourish academically, spiritually and personally, inspiring both the children she teaches and the colleagues she mentors.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher through my love of working with children and my desire to ignite in them a genuine love of learning. From an early age, teaching was the only career I ever considered. I believe deeply in honouring the dignity of every child and in the importance of creating a classroom environment where each student feels valued and has a strong sense of belonging. Teaching provides the opportunity to nurture every learner’s potential, supporting them to become the best they can be while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
One of the most significant moments in my career was leading a whole-school shift towards evidence-based pedagogies in reading and literacy. Through professional learning, collaborative planning, coaching, and ongoing support, I worked alongside teachers to implement practices grounded in the science of reading and high-impact teaching strategies. This change was driven by a strong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a successful reader. By moving away from inconsistent approaches and adopting evidence-based instruction, we were able to provide all students with access to high-quality literacy teaching.
What made this experience particularly meaningful was seeing the impact on students who had previously struggled with reading. Knowing that this work helped ensure that no child was left behind and that every student had the best possible chance to learn to read is something I am incredibly proud of. It reinforced my belief that sustainable change in education happens when we combine collaboration and a strong focus on what the evidence tells us works best for students.
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
There are many moments that have inspired me throughout my teaching career, but I was most deeply influenced by the teachers I worked alongside in my early years. These teachers showed genuine respect for their students and approached every interaction with a gentle manner and a deep belief in the dignity of each child. Their approach to behaviour management was grounded in understanding. They sought to uncover what was driving behaviours rather than simply responding to them.
Watching these teachers build trust and connection with their students had a profound impact on me. I knew that this was the kind of teacher I wanted to be someone who leads with empathy, respect, and care. I was fortunate to work with many hardworking and dedicated colleagues who supported me as an early career teacher, and their encouragement and example helped shape the educator I have become.
I have also been deeply inspired by leaders in education who work to bridge the gap between research and the classroom. Their dedication to bringing evidence-based practices into everyday teaching has had a lasting impact on me. These leaders model what it means to be reflective, research-informed, and driven by a desire to improve outcomes for all students. Their example motivates me to keep learning, questioning, and refining my own practice so that every student benefits from high-quality, effective teaching.
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My Catholic faith shapes who I am as an educator by grounding my belief in the dignity and worth of every child. It guides me to see each student as created in the image of God and deserving of respect, care, and compassion. My faith inspires me to model Gospel values such as love, justice, and kindness, and to create a classroom where every child feels a sense of belonging and purpose. It reminds me that teaching is about nurturing the whole child and supporting them to grow into their best selves.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is being able to support both my students and myself in growing our relationship with God. I love helping students explore their faith, develop their values, and grow in confidence as people of faith. Being part of the Diocese of Wollongong is such a gift, with opportunities for my own faith formation, and I really value working alongside colleagues who share in that journey. It’s inspiring to be part of a community where we can grow together and help students flourish spiritually, personally, and
academically.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
I think the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society is keeping Jesus’ message of love alive and helping students experience it in their daily lives. As a teacher, I aim to be a face of Jesus for my students and the community, showing values of kindness, respect, and compassion.
Catholic education gives students the chance to encounter Jesus through liturgy, prayer, and Religious Education, while also learning about the world through a Catholic perspective. It’s about helping students grow not just academically, but also in faith, and in the way they contribute to the world around them.