With 25 years of teaching at Cerdon College in Merrylands, Sydney, Maria Barbieri-Marando has dedicated her career to nurturing students’ love of Italian and building classroom confidence as the school’s Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Coordinator. Teaching Years 7–12, Maria draws on her own experiences of being guided by her mother, turning challenges into lessons of perseverance and passion. Known for creating a supportive, engaging, and values-driven learning environment, she celebrates not just academic achievement but the personal growth and confidence of every student. Grounded in faith and a deep sense of service, Maria exemplifies the impact of Catholic education – combining excellence with compassion and community.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My mother was my greatest inspiration. In Year 12 we went nearly five months without an Italian teacher, and she stepped in without hesitation. Every evening, she sat with me, patiently explaining grammar, helping me translate passages, and making sure I felt prepared for the HSC exam.
Those evenings weren’t just about language, they showed me what true dedication and care look like. Watching her give her time and energy so I wouldn’t fall behind planted the idea that teaching is an act of love and service. When I became a teacher myself, I wanted to offer my students the same commitment she gave me, to be present, to explain until understanding clicks, and to believe in them even when circumstances are challenging.
What first inspired your love for teaching Italian, and how has that passion shaped the way you motivate and support your students today?
My early fascination with hearing the language being spoken and the connection I had with my family overseas. I always felt a bit nervous speaking to my grandparents over the phone as I was afraid of making a mistake, I used this early memory into my motto. SBAGLIANDO S’IMPARA! You only learn from making mistakes, so I really want everyone to have a go. In my classroom I focus on making my students feel the same joy, using stories, songs, culture and conversation so they just don’t memorise grammar, but they actually live the language and feel comfortable talking.
Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
One of the proudest moments of my career came in 2022, when Annalise, who had worked with quiet determination from her very first Italian lesson and came on a language immersion trip to Italy with me in 2019, topped the state. Watching her name appear on that list was incredible, but what moved me even more was knowing how many hours she had poured into practice and how she never lost her love of the language. She fell in love with Italy in 2019 and her passion and growth over the years was phenomenal.
Then, in 2023, something even more remarkable happened, from a class of just ten students, four earned state ranks. Seeing that small group, each with different strengths and personalities, reach that level of excellence was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about marks; it was the confidence they built in themselves and the community they created together.
Those years reminded me that when students feel supported and challenged, they can achieve more than they imagine. My role was to guide, encourage, and create an environment where their passion for Italian could flourish and their success reaffirmed why I teach.”
Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?
In 2020 I lost my colleague and dear friend, Francesca Pecora, someone I had worked alongside for twenty years as a job-share partner. Her passing was a heartbreak I still feel. Francesca wasn’t just a brilliant teacher; she was the person who showed me how to balance high expectations with love for teaching. When she died, I promised myself I would keep her legacy alive in my classroom. Five years have passed, but every time I receive those HSC results, I hear her voice in the back of my mind. She will never be forgotten.
Can you share a moment when you saw a student’s confidence or skills transform and felt that your teaching had made a lasting difference?
One of the most memorable transformations I’ve witnessed was with a Year 11 student who had been missing many days of school because of severe anxiety. At first, just coming to class was a struggle, and I focused on creating a safe, predictable space, checking in quietly, setting small achievable goals, and celebrating every tiny win.
Over time, I gently encouraged her to stretch a little further, presenting a short dialogue, joining a small-group activity, and finally speaking in front of the class. It wasn’t an overnight change, but I could see her confidence building lesson by lesson.
At the end of year 12 she approached me and said, ‘Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone, it’s helped me overcome my anxiety.’ Hearing those words was humbling. It reminded me that while language skills matter, the real power of teaching lies in helping students discover their own strength. Knowing that our classroom could be a place of healing and growth is something I will carry with me forever.”
How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
My faith grounds me in the belief that every student is worthy of dignity and respect. It shapes the way I build my classroom culture where every voice matters, where respect is the norm, and where students know I will walk beside them every step of the way. That perspective reminds me to be patient when someone struggles, to celebrate small victories, and to see each learner as a whole person, not just a set of marks. Whether it’s offering a quiet check-in after class or modelling kindness during a tough discussion, I try to live the values of compassion and service every day.
Ultimately, my goal is for students to leave my classroom not only more confident in their Italian but also feeling valued and supported.
What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
The most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is the genuine sense of a second family. Since starting at Cerdon in 1998, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who support and encourage one another in everything we do. That spirit of care extends to our students too; you won’t find young people like Cerdon students anywhere else. Knowing that I’m supported by my peers and that we’re all working together to nurture our students’ growth is what has kept me here for so many years. It’s more than a workplace, it’s a community built on faith, respect, and shared purpose.
What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
I believe Catholic education offers a balance of learning and good values. Academic excellence matters, of course, but just as important is the emphasis on values, compassion, service, integrity, and respect for every individual.
It prepares young people not only for the future, but for lives of meaning and contribution where they leave Cerdon and make a difference in the world.