Teaching scholarship key to Aaron’s success

25/10/2021
Aaron Christensen loves working with students at St Luke’s School in Capalaba

​AARON Christensen has fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher – and a Brisbane Catholic Education scholarship​ played a major part in making that dream a reality. 

This year, Aaron began his career as a first-year teacher at St Luke’s School in Capalaba, on Brisbane’s bayside. He teaches a Year 1 class and says his students are a lot of fun. 

Aaron said he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a teacher. 

“I wanted to be part of a profession that played such a big part in people’s lives,” he said.

After graduating from Geelong Grammar in Victoria, Aaron made his way north to Queensland to do his teaching degree. 

“My brother Alan had already made the move to Brisbane to play for the Brisbane Lions and he told me how great it was up here,” Aaron said. 

“I knew that if I moved to Queensland, I could live with him and start my teaching studies at Australian Catholic University.

“I also got an offer to play AFL for the Redlands, so that sealed the deal.” 

Aaron found out about Brisbane Catholic Education’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships for undergraduate teachers through the university. 

“I put in an application because I knew the scholarship would give me financial assistance while I was studying and an initial placement in a school once I had graduated,” Aaron said. 

“It just made sense.” 

Aaron said the scholarship helped to reduce financial pressures when he was studying. 

“The $4,500 each year, plus $2000 to help with initial costs, helped a lot, particularly as I was living away from home,” he said. 

“It took a big weight off my shoulders and meant I could focus on my study and not have to work so many hours to support myself.” 

“It was also great to know I had placement in a Brisbane Catholic Education school guaranteed for my first two years teaching, which meant I didn’t have the stress of interviews and applications other graduates were going through.” 

Aaron said while the first few weeks were a bit daunting, as a first-year teacher he was welcomed and well supported at St Luke’s School. 

“I am fortunate enough to have a teaching partner who is a great mentor to me,” Aaron said. 

“I’ve got 27 students in my Year 1 class, so it is busy, challenging and exciting.” 

Aaron is glad he made teaching his career choice. 

“I’d recommend a Brisbane Catholic Education scholarship to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person wanting to become a teacher,” he said.
 
“Brisbane Catholic Education has given me great support as I studied and now as a teacher early in their career.”

Aaron hopes to be able to one day move into a school leadership role and support others wanting to become teachers. 

“One day I’d love to get my Masters in Education, but for now I’m focused on building up my teaching skills and classroom experience,” he said. 

“Getting a job at St Luke’s School has been a real blessing – the other teachers have been fantastic, and the students are great,” he said. 

“To top it off my Redlands AFL club is just down the road, so it’s easy for me to get to training.” 

“I am living my best life.” 

Click here​ to find out more about Brisbane Catholic Education’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships for current Year 12 students and university undergraduates. 

The closing date for scholarship applications is December 3, 2021.

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