A born teacher

By Bridget Brady
When she was young she used her wardrobe door as a blackboard to teach her younger brothers, and also helped teach her mum how to read.
“I was always the teacher in the family,” she said.
Ms Forrest, 37, said teaching was the only profession she considered.
And the Lyndhurst Secondary College teacher has been honoured in her chosen career, by being chosen as one of 60 teachers from across Australia to win a National Excellence in Teaching Awards 2009 ASG Inspirational Teaching State and Territory Award.
Ms Forrest was nominated by staff members in recognition of her leadership in the school.
She has implemented and led a Year 9 inquiry-based learning program in a purpose-built facility where they are encouraged to make learning relevant to their own experiences.
Student attitudes towards their learning and their teachers have improved, Ms Forrest said.
“It’s really nice to get recognition but I think it’s a reflection on our school community more than anything.”
She said having innovative staff members who were keen to learn made her job easier.
Ms Forrest said she learned much during her younger teaching days.
“She (mum) is just evidence that anyone can learn if they really want to and I embrace that philosophy as a teacher.”