By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Keeping up with the times is a necessity for stalwart Berwick College teacher Russell Kealey.
In embracing change over the past 40 years, he’s forsaken the blackboard and chalk for a smart board and video production.
He’s noted that respect for authority including teachers is no longer automatic from students. It has to be earned. And it’s usually earned from being fair to all students.
Even police aren’t accorded the same respect as they once were, Mr Kealey said.
“I don’t regret that has changed. That’s just part of the way society has changed.
“As a teacher, you have to change with it.”
In his pet subject of media studies, change is a constant – not least for news outlets moving from print to digital.
Kids no longer have to travel to an Education Department suite to edit movies. They do it on their phones.
Mr Kealey wonders how his students will cope as the workforce gets more automated. Where will their jobs come from, he muses.
He sees the growing prevalence of reported family violence. In any classroom, there are bound to be children facing horrendous domestic situations, he said.
Mr Kealey was recently recognised for an enormous 40 years of classroom service by Education Minister James Merlino.
The bulk of his teaching career has been at Berwick College.
He followed his father into teaching. In that time, he’s established a media studies course as well as teaching English and humanities.
He aims for friendliness but not to be his students’ friend. He wants enthusiasm from his students.
“Once you can find that enthusiasm, you’re half-way there to achieving success.”
Mr Kealey expects each of his students to achieve their best. Nothing more disappoints him than seeing a top kid resting on their laurels.
Thinking of the future, what will stay the same in the teaching game? For him, there’s a timeless need to take interest in their students, to have a passion for their subject.
“They have to have a willingness to stick at it in the long term,” he said.
“It’s a long time ago but I remember having a difficult time managing classes in my first years.
“That can be quite daunting because you’re by yourself in the workplace.
“You’re not in an office environment, not in a factory environment, not in a team or a group.
“You are there to teach that class of kids. It’s quite solitary.”
Off campus, he replenishes with gardening orchids, film festivals and an array of music listening.
For the teacher who gives so much to excite his lessons, music gives him a chance to “go out” of himself.
