As we look ahead to the 2025 school year, Lisa Newland, a passionate educator at FisherONE Online Education, shares the transformative power of education, combining technology, creativity, and authentic connection to inspire lifelong growth. In this Q&A, Lisa highlights her approach to fostering engagement within an online learning environment, her excitement about new developments in the Microsoft space, and how FisherONE is shaping the future of education for students and teachers alike.
Q: What drives your passion for education and continuous innovation?
A: I have always been passionate about helping people succeed and education is one of the best ways to do that. Education opens doors to opportunities and helps to build a growth mindset that can result in lifelong learners. It empowers people and can help them discover their strengths and passions.
I always reflect on what I am teaching and try to innovate wherever possible because I think engagement is key to a successful classroom.
Q: What exciting new developments or tools can teachers and students look forward to at FisherONE in 2025?
A: We are introducing a streamlined feedback process that empowers students to provide input on their learning journey. Using Microsoft tools like Teams, OneNote, and Insights, this feedback will enable teachers to deliver more personalised, one-on-one support, ensuring every student can progress in an authentic and meaningful way.
Q: How has leveraging technology transformed the learning experience for your students at FisherONE?
A: I’ve never felt more in touch with where each of my students is at in their learning journey. In high school teaching, where you might have up to 200 students across five classes, keeping track of every individual’s progress can be challenging.
At FisherONE I can see real-time insights into each student’s strengths and challenges, making it easier to provide timely and meaningful interventions for student learning.
It’s a game-changer for both teachers and students.
Q: How do you keep students motivated and excited about learning in an online environment?
A: I focus on being authentic with my students and creating a learning space where they feel seen and supported. This may be a simple hello greeting to every student, to asking the small questions and remembering their interests. Sharing stories about myself and being comfortable with who I am. I strive to design lessons that are engaging and relevant, often connecting the content to their interests and real-world applications.
Being open and approachable helps build trust, and I encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas, making them active participants in their learning journey. I try to constantly look for new ways to spark curiosity and keep things interactive.
Q: What makes FisherONE a great place to teach, and why would you encourage other educators to join the team?
A: There are so many reasons why I love working for FisherONE. The flexibility to work from home allows for a better work-life balance, and it’s rewarding to teach students who are genuinely excited to learn and engage in class.
FisherONE also opens doors for students who might not have had access to certain subjects in their own schools, making a real difference in their education. On top of that, I get to work with an incredible team of dedicated teachers and benefit from ongoing growth opportunities and support to attend professional development.
There is something so amazing about getting a group of students from all different schools together in an online space.
Considering a career at Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE)?
BCE employees work in a wide range of teaching and non-teaching roles that support Catholic traditions and contribute to developing socially just young people who embrace sustainability and make positive contributions to the modern world.