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Amy Constant
Series editor-Good Science NSW Stages 4 & 5, 2e
How long have you been in the education industry?
I've been in education for 6 years. In that time, I have worked in both the public and independent sector in rural NSW, teaching Stage 4, 5 and 6 Science.
How have you noticed your teaching style change over the years? Why do you think this is?
My teaching style has definitely changed over the years! These days I try to plan and implement activities that have defined Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for students, to encourage them to take ownership over their learning and develop their metacognitive skills. This also means that I am able to use more differentiation for students during activities, so that they can all work at a level that challenges their understanding.
What is the importance to you of good educational resources?
Good educational resources are extremely important in teaching. Being able to find and use quality resources reduces the time that I have to spend developing appropriate teaching and learning activities from scratch, meaning that my focus can shift to quality implementation of resources that allow for adequate classroom differentiation.
What has been your favourite part of writing an education resource?
The new challenge! Getting into writing has required honing written communication skills, and also required me to look at the content in new depth.
What is your favourite part of being a teacher?
Seeing the look of triumph on students' faces during lessons when they have an "a-ha!" moment, and knowing that you have helped them to succeed in their learning.
What are three things people wouldn’t know about you?
I was 17 before I got my first pet (now I couldn't imagine living without animals!), I am currently learning Italian and a must do on any holiday is finding the best ice-cream of the trip.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching (or writing)?
I love baking, playing D&D, and playing music - mostly piano and saxophone.
Who are three people, living or dead, you’d love to have dinner with?
Rosalind Franklin, Freddie Mercury and Heston Blumenthal.
What is your favourite book and why?
It would have to be the Harry Potter series... I read those books so many times as a child, and still go back for a re-read every few years!
Do you follow a sports team?
Growing up in NSW I am more of an NRL fan than AFL fan - go the roosters!