Staff Spotlight: Shana Backshall on Changing Careers

For Shana, a professional opportunity led to a passion for working with young students and changing her career to become a teacher at St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba. She shares her story as well as the benefits of switching careers.

What made you change careers and consider becoming a teacher? 

I changed my career because I was working at an exercise physiology clinic and I had the opportunity to work with teenagers in a strength and conditioning class. I loved it and that’s what really made me decide to take the leap into teaching. 

What benefits are there to bringing your previous experience to your role as a teacher? 

As a “career changer”, I think I bring a lot to the table, particularly with my senior subjects like Year 11 and 12 Physical Education because I know where the pathways lead to, I have stories and experiences that I can relate all of my content to in a real-world situation. 

How did you find balancing working and studying a Masters of Teaching? 

While studying my Masters of Teaching, I worked as a Learning Support Officer at St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba. I found that really helped bring in what I was learning at uni with the teaching side in a practical setting.  

What is the best thing about being a teacher? 

There are so many benefits to teaching, but one of the biggest ones I’ve found is that not only am I teaching students, but I’m learning new things along the way as well. As with any new job, it can be difficult at times, but I have really enjoyed my transition to teaching.   

Catholic Education Cairns is pleased to support professionals who are seeking a career change into teaching via our Career Change Scholarships. The scholarships are intended to support applicants who have an undergraduate degree and are applying for entry into a full-time Master of Teaching and Learning degree in either Primary or Secondary Education. Follow the link to find out more about our Career Change Scholarships.