Parenting K-6 Kids/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have been a classroom primary (elementary) teacher for more than 20 years, mostly with senior students. I now run my own business, High Hopes Educational Services, working with parents and their children (and sometimes teachers) on a range of issues such as transition from primary to high school; organisational skills; time management; understanding learning styles to assist with effective study and work routines at home; prioritising tasks; developing a balance between work and play; how to 'get started' on writing that essay or assignment!

Experience in the area

20 years of classroom teaching experience; in 2006, based on an enormous amount of research and practical experience (some of it with my own teenage boys!), I set about developing a series of programs of information and support for parents who want to both assist and monitor their child's progress. I prefer to regard these programs as tools of empowerment for parents and their children - skills for school AND life!

Organizations

TED; LinkedIn; Community Builders NSW; Our Community; YouthGas

Publications

My biography (under maiden name of 'Cook') appears in 'Who's Who of Australian Women' (1982), 'The World Who's Who of Women' (1986) and 'Debrett's Handbook of Australia' (Bicentennial Edition 1988). My article "Coping With High School - a Transition for Students and Parents" was published in the Primary and Middle Years Educator Journal (Australian Curriculum Studies Association), August 2007 and P&C Journal, Term 3 issue, 2007

Education/Credentials

Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney (English and Education majors); Diploma in Education (Sydney Teacher's College)

Awards and Honors

University of Sydney 'Blue'(for track and field); a variety of sporting awards (both State and National)

What do you like about this subject?

I like the fact that no two children are exactly the same! It's up to parents and educators to find the right 'button' to 'switch on' each child - once we find it, we can help to open up the floodgates of potential that I really believe is innate in each child.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I have no idea! There is still so much to learn about what makes us all 'tick', and the study of human nature and learning - beginning from birth - is constantly reviewed, revised and evolving!We never stop learning!