Tara Murray
When Sunshine North Primary School principal Ken Ryan started out, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be a teacher.
While at high school, he was interested in pursuing a career in computer programming. But a speech from a former student of his high school set on the path to becoming a teacher.
The idea of living in Bendigo at teachers college and playing footy on the weekends attracted him to the career.
Fast forward to today and Mr Ryan is being recognised for 45 years of teaching.
“There’s not many people who celebrate being with one employer for 45 years,” he said.
“When I signed for three years at the beginning, I thought that was a lifetime. Now I don’t feel like it’s been 45 years of work.
“If you don’t want to walk through the front gate and be ready for something different each day, you’re probably not made out to be a teacher.”
Mr Ryan started as a classroom teacher before becoming part of the school’s administration team and then principal. He also studied at Harvard.
He started teaching regionally and taught overseas for a year in Alaska, but the western suburbs became home.
He taught at a number of different schools in Brimbank, before spending the last 21 years at Sunshine North.
Mr Ryan said while many people didn’t like the idea of teaching in the western suburbs, it was something he enjoyed.
“When I first started, many didn’t want to work in the western suburbs,” he said.
“I found it a melting pot. Many families are starting their life in Australia and as a teacher you help them establish themselves.
“Now walking back into a classroom, it’s great seeing the kids learning so they can reach their potential.
“Everyone is different, but students need the right person to champion for them.”
Mr Ryan said the COVID-19 pandemic had presented many challenges over the past 18 months.
But he says it’s all part of the journey.
“When I started we put everything on the blackboard,” Mr Ryan said.
“Things like computers and printers didn’t exist. I say every 10 years a teacher needs to change and reassess what learning looks like.
“I introduced the one-on-one iPad program at the school. The students now need to learn to be creative and how to communicate.”
Due to the pandemic the education department won’t be able to hold a ceremony to recognise long-serving teachers.
However, Mr Ryan will still receive a personalised certificate of recognition and a commemorative booklet.
Mr Ryan said it is likely he will retire next year.
