For Louise Hobbs, teaching science in regional Victoria is more than a career, it’s a calling. As part of the Learning and Teaching Team at St Brigid’s College, Horsham, Louise combines her love of science with her passion for rural education, inspiring students to see the possibilities that come from learning and curiosity. In just five years, she has made her mark as an innovative educator — from creating engaging classroom experiences to launching a popular podcast that helps students across Australia.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always loved learning and going to school, however, growing up I didn’t want to become a teacher rather I had ambitions to become a doctor and, give back to my rural community improving access to healthcare. In order to achieve my ambitions at the time I needed to study a heavy academic load of mathematics, biology and chemistry. Unfortunately, my local school didn’t have enough specialised teachers to offer all of my subjects in person, for me distance education wasn’t a viable option.
With the support from my parents I relocated an hour and a half away from home to attend St Brigid’s College. I consider myself to be really lucky to have had a family who could support me to attend a great school, which resulted in me getting into my first preference of a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, well on my way to study medicine. However, over the course of my undergraduate I realised that I really loved learning new things and communicating them to others. As I completed my major in pharmaceuticals and completed placement in pharmacy, I realised that there were a lot of people lacking a good understanding of basic science and, that if I wanted to make real change in rural communities, I needed to be part of education.
I was so fortunate to attend St Brigid’s College as a student and receive a high-quality education in country Victoria. So, for me becoming a science teacher was a way to give back, and make a real difference in young people’s lives, hopefully inspiring students to one day become future leaders in our rural communities.
Can you share a memorable moment in your career where you felt you truly made a difference?
I love that each day I get to go to work, I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in a young person’s life and future. There are so many little moments each day which remind you of your impact. Earlier this year in a teacher advisor interview with one of my students I was going through the usual questions “how’s school going?” “what subjects are you enjoying the most?” to which they responded, “oh your class for sure!” I laughed it off and said, “no no, you don’t have to say that just because I’m your TA”. The student sort of looked at me and said, “no miss, genuinely I love your classes, you’re the first class I’ve ever gotten an A in!”. It’s moments like that where you maybe haven’t realised the difference you’ve made and how impactful you’ve been until you reflect, and you realise that it really is worth it!
Is there a story from your time teaching that has in inspired you/had a deep impact on you?
Throughout my time teaching I’ve always tried to do my best, to deliver my content in whatever ways my students need it whether that be through flipped learning, mini whiteboards to build tricky ideas, videos for remote learning or a podcast on Spotify, I’ll always give it my best go! In 2021 I started a podcast (Miss Hobbs Talks all Things VCE) to help my students learn tricky concepts and revise before assessment tasks, I had no idea how to start a podcast but after a few YouTube videos I gave it a go. I ended up recording episodes for VCE Agriculture, Business and Biology just for subjects I teach, to help my students. What I didn’t realise was just quite how big of an impact a podcast recorded in my office on my little microphone would have! I ended up having teachers and students from other schools reach out and thank me for breaking down concepts and making it easy to understand.
I even ended up being featured on Landline and, going to Parliament House in Canberra … twice! These experiences are stand outs in my career and I hope that more people get into teaching, and that people are willing to give things a go.
At the end of the day, it’s about supporting our students in innovative ways, and sometimes you won’t know just how far you can make an impact. My podcast that was started for 5 students now has over 170 followers and 4,000 listens – it just goes to show that taking a risk can pay off!
How does your faith influence your approach to teaching?
My journey to becoming a teacher wasn’t typical. Growing up a lot of my identity was tied up in becoming a doctor. As I grew in my Christian faith over my time at university, I realised that if I wanted to make a difference it would be in teaching, I know that this was what was planned for me. My faith provides me with the courage to make a difference every day and through prayer and reflection the support to keep going when it isn’t so easy. I feel a calling to continue to make a positive impact each day and I know that through God’s guidance I will continue to follow his plan wherever that may take me, and you’ll definitely catch me praying on the morning of Year 12 exams!
What do you find most rewarding about teaching in a Catholic school?
Having taught in both the public and Catholic sector, I love being part of a faith-based environment where students and staff are encouraged to develop their own personal faith. I think subjects such as religion and pastoral care offer so much support to our students. Working in an environment which is faith focused means students develop strong grounding. I love getting to work with some fantastic colleagues who are also grounded in a mission for education, who see teaching as a calling rather than just a job.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Catholic education provides students with a well-rounded faith-based education. One where students are valued for who they are, and where they know the importance in giving back to their local community. Catholic education is crucial in making sure our next generation of leaders are well-rounded individuals who care deeply for others, the environment and want to be part of positive change. I know that students who are educated in Catholic schools are provided a solid grounding in their faith and are supported to achieve their best.
Podcast – Miss Hobbs Talks all Things VCE | Podcast on Spotify
Landline episode – S2023 : ABC iview – 29 October 2025