BA (Psych), B Ed

If you ask Lisa Turner whether she always knew she would become a teacher, the answer might surprise you.

Today, Lisa is Mentone Grammar’s Deputy Head of Frogmore – Student Pastoral Care, as well as an English and Humanities teacher.  She is passionate about helping young people grow both academically and personally, but teaching English was not always the obvious path.

Growing up, Lisa was inspired by her mother, a gifted English teacher who later became the first female lay Principal of a Catholic girls’ school previously led by nuns.  Lisa remembers her mother as deeply passionate about education and literature, with an instinctive ability to understand what an author was trying to convey.

Lisa, however, admits that her own appreciation for English took a little longer to develop.  At school, she remembers that while she was an avid reader and a capable creative writer in terms of text analysis she simply “didn’t get it”.  For one English Literature exam, she memorised an answer her mother had helped her prepare.  While Lisa didn’t fully understand why the sentence worked so well, she knew her mother’s words were worth remembering.  Even now, she can recall the opening line about Wordsworth’s Composed upon Westminster Bridge – although what followed is something of a mystery.  The important part? She passed.

That experience has ultimately helped shape the teacher Lisa is today.

She remembers a time when students were often simply expected to know how to write an essay, without the explicit instruction, criteria and scaffolding available to students today.  It is something she keeps front of mind in her own classroom.

“I never forget when teaching that English does not come naturally to most students,” Lisa says.  Her approach is to make the process clear and achievable, supporting students to understand texts and explicitly teaching them how to construct their ideas.

Her advice is straightforward: “It is hard and you have to persevere, plan and practise – lots!”

Before becoming a teacher, Lisa completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology at Monash University, and began her career working in Admissions at Swinburne University.  She later moved into recruitment consulting, where she discovered how much she enjoyed building relationships and helping people find the right opportunities.

After having her first child, Lisa began considering what might come next.  With a background in psychology, recruitment and working with people, careers education initially seemed like a natural fit.

There was just one thing missing: a teaching qualification.

At 31, Lisa began a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) through Deakin University, studying part-time and online. Six years and three children later, she completed the degree, including, remarkably, finishing her final essay from hospital after giving birth.

If there was ever an early indication of her commitment to education, that might be it.

Lisa believes entering the profession later in life has been one of her strengths.

“Coming into teaching later in life meant I brought a range of skills, life experiences and perceptions that have held me in good stead throughout my teaching career and kept me grounded.”

Lisa taught across a number of primary and secondary schools before first arriving at Mentone Grammar as a casual relief teacher, taking on short-term contracts and teaching wherever she was needed, including “even as a dance teacher!”

In 2012, she accepted a full-time position at the School, beginning what would become a significant chapter for both Lisa and her family.

Over the years, four of the five members of the Turner family have called Mentone Grammar home at the same time, some as students and Lisa, of course, as a staff member.

Her own career at the School has been equally varied.  Lisa has accompanied students on International Learning Journeys to China and Cambodia, managed the School’s Aerobics program for seven years and served as Drinan House Coordinator for six.

Today, her work as Frogmore’s Deputy Head of Campus – Pastoral Care brings together many of the threads that have run throughout her career: teaching, relationships, leadership and pastoral care.

“I’m passionate about guiding young people to be their best both academically and personally and believe that wellbeing is the foundation for learning, growth and success,” she says. “I take a firm but fair approach and try to build strong relationships with students while setting high expectations and helping them develop the confidence, resilience and character they need to navigate life’s challenges.”

She is also proud of the opportunity to be a positive role model for young people but especially young women?? and values being part of a community where staff share a genuine commitment to their students.

After 15 years at Mentone Grammar, Lisa remains grateful for the opportunities the School has provided both her and her children, and for the community of which she has become such an important part.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities Mentone Grammar has provided me and my children”, she says.

Perhaps teaching was in the family after all. Lisa adds: “If teaching is in your blood, it’s in your blood. I hope my Mum would be proud”.

She is delighted to be working at Mentone Grammar: she both values and enjoys contributing to our School community: “staff, students, parents, great traditions and culture”.  Lisa truly appreciates being able to have an impact on young people and finds this extremely rewarding.

One of the things that Lisa likes most about teaching at Mentone Grammar, alongside our wonderful School community, is her excellent colleagues who have a shared purpose.  Lisa believes it is important for educators to remember the impact they have.  She adds that sometimes in the ‘busyness’ of a particular day, you: “don’t always think that you are making a difference but never forget that you are – even if you don’t know it”.

She has some extremely valuable advice for students, as you would expect from someone as dedicated and experienced as Lisa.

Her words are not just valuable for our students; they are also sage mottos for everyone’s lives.

“Remain true to who you are as a person…. see goodness in others and try and hold onto your friends. Be kind to those around you. It’s OK to be vulnerable. Take your opportunities as they present. Your grades are only one small part of who you are. They do not measure your worth, your potential, or all the amazing things you can do.”

Written by: Caroline Kinnear