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Janelle Ho
Co-author of Spelling Rules! (NSW Syllabus and Australian Curriculum)
How long have you been in the education industry?
More than 30 years. Before I migrated to Australia, I was a high school teacher. After moving to
Australia, I worked in administration in the VET sector before turning my hand to writing assessments.
Now I work in the tutoring industry. I have enjoyed honing different skills in different aspects of the
industry.
What is the importance to you of good educational resources?
The most important value of good resources is in the different perspective that they provide. They
help a teacher tap into the ideas and styles of another teacher, which is vital as teaching can be a
lonely experience.
What has been your favourite part of writing an education resource?
I’ve enjoyed focussing on a small part of a literacy program, thinking of how different types of students
can engage with the material, and considering how each part integrates into the larger program.
What is your favourite part of being a teacher?
The interactions with students: you learn a lot about human nature!
What are three things people wouldn’t know about you?
I love good food but rarely turn up my nose at bad food: I was taught to be grateful to be able to eat till
I’m full. I love British game shows like Only Connect and University Challenge. I’d love to travel by
train more often: I loved my train journey from Beijing to St Petersburg.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching (or writing)?
Watching all sorts of TV and reading. I’d like to go back to singing, so I might join a choir.
Who are three people, living or dead, you’d love to have dinner with?
Jane Austen, Martin Scorcese, and Michael Parkinson to keep the conversation going!
What is your favourite book and why?
Don’t really have one.
I love Calvin and Hobbes and Peanuts. They have been most helpful in getting
me through life.
Do you follow a sports team?
Liverpool Football Club – since I was five.