Valedictory Speech

 

 

Tena koutou

Ko Ngongotaha te maunga.

Ko Rotorua te moana.

Ko Rushbrook taku whānau.

Ko Georgina Jackson ahau.

Good evening everyone. I’m Georgina Jackson.

On behalf of the teachers becoming fully certificated this year, I’d like to thank the Auckland Central Community of Schools for holding this celebration ceremony for us this evening. Special thanks to Ajita Goh, Abby Cavanagh and Suzanne Parkinson for all of the work you have put into organising the event. 

Thank you also to all Across School Leaders and to Parnell District School for hosting us. 

Reaching Full Teacher Certification this year is a significant milestone in our teaching careers and certainly a point at which we should celebrate. The end of this 2 year period also provides an opportunity for us to pause, remember and reflect on our experiences, what we’ve learned and what we hope to achieve in the future. 

It has been said that memory is like a lazy dog which lies down wherever it pleases. If this is the case, then perhaps one cannot choose the memories they’ll have of the present in years to come. If I could choose however, these are the memories of the last two years for which I am thankful and hope to remember.

First of all- my mentors: How could I forget you?! Thank you, and thank you to all of our mentors on behalf of the teachers receiving full certification. I was lucky enough to have four amazing mentors who I learned so much from. They were generous in sharing their knowledge, resources and expertise. They were great listeners, looked out for me and gave of their time freely. Please join me in recognising the significant role all of our mentors have played in helping us reach Full Teacher Certification. 

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support we have received from our principals, school leaders and colleagues. Personally, I have felt fortunate to have been part of such a hard-working, motivated staff during this 2 year journey. They have inspired me with their ideas, knowledge and professionalism.

As you all know, contrary to popular belief, teachers’ work days do not end at 3:15. So I will do my best not to forget the support I’ve received from my family. On behalf of the graduating teachers, we would also like to acknowledge and thank our whānau and partners for their support over the last 2 years. Your understanding and support has enabled us to put the required time into reaching this point in our careers. Thank you. 

Finally, to my fellow teachers achieving this milestone tonight: Congratulations. They say that nothing that’s worthwhile is ever easy. And so it is with becoming a teacher. I don’t expect I will ever forget the volume of work and the large amounts of energy that were required to achieve full teacher certification. I’m sure, like me, you have had trying times that required determination and faith in your own ability to get through. And we have got through. We must remember that the learning and skills we’ve acquired to reach this point have come about because of our commitment and effort, and of that, we can all be proud. 

The teaching profession draws people from a range of backgrounds for various reasons, but we are united in our desire to make a positive difference. As Todd Whitaker, a professor of educational leadership, said, “The best thing about being a teacher is it matters. The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters everyday.”

While there will no doubt still be challenging times ahead as we continue to learn and hone our skills, let’s never forget what drew us to teaching, or the importance of what we do. 

Thank you for this opportunity to speak on your behalf.

I wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your teaching careers.  

Nga mihi nui ki a koutou.