Rena El-Khoury had some “amazing teachers” influence her decision to become a teacher, but no one more than her mother.

In her first year of teaching at St Johns Park Public School, Ms El-Khoury has proven to be an inspiring teacher in her own right and was recently awarded a second Western Sydney University (WSU) Master of Teaching Dean’s Medal.

“My biggest teaching influence was my mum,” Ms El-Khoury said.

“She was an early childhood teacher so sometimes when I was on school holidays, I would go with her to work. I’d just watch her and be so amazed and mesmerised by the way she would teach kids and the way that they just loved her.

“She was so warm and inviting. Seeing the way she taught children and brought joy into their lives and how much joy it also brought her was really, really inspiring.”

However, teaching was not Ms El-Khoury’s first love.

“I actually have a music background. I’m a singer and I studied music in my undergrad, so I wanted to pursue music initially,” she said.

“But then I had experiences with tutoring children and it was so rewarding.

“I feel that teaching children is such a privelege. It’s also such a huge responsibility because you’re really shaping the next generation.

“I guess I wanted to be a part of that journey for children and be a positive influence for them.”

The Dean’s Medal is awarded to university students on a highly competitive basis in recognition of their outstanding academic performance. Graduates must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.000 or greater and score in the top two per cent of their cohort. 

Ms El-Khoury was familiar with the work required to receive a WSU Dean’s Medal after receiving the honour for her bachelor’s degree and was thrilled to be recognised again for her Master of Teacher year.

“I didn’t do it with the thought that I could win (a second) Dean’s Medal,” she said. “I just like to do things to the best of my ability.

“It was very exciting. It felt like my hard work was recognised because I worked really, really hard during my Master’s, so it was a nice acknowledgement of my efforts.

“To achieve my Dean’s Medal, I had to be very disciplined, very organised and very hard working. They’re definitely skills that I’ve transferred into my teaching career.”

Ms El-Khoury was appointed as a permanent teacher at St Johns Park Public School while completing her final practical teaching units.

“I wasn’t expecting it so soon. I was so excited,” she said. “After I finished my prac I ended up coming here as a casual for the remainder of last year to familiarise myself with the school.”

She was also offered a job in a private school but had no hesitation in opting for a position in the public system.

“I felt I could make more of a difference in public schools,” Ms El-Khoury said.

“I also felt I would be better supported in a public school as a beginning teacher. We get beginning teacher time, beginning teacher RFF (release from face-to-face) and you get a mentor.”

As the curtain falls on 2024, Ms El-Khoury could not be happier with her first year as a full-time teacher has played out.

“Being a teacher has exceeded my expectations,” she said.

“I was worried I would feel very drained, very stressed, but it’s been very manageable because I have a very supportive team and supportive school.

“Going into my first year I hadn’t anticipated how much joy I would get from doing this every single day.

“I knew I would have an impact on (my students), but didn’t think about the impact they would have on me and watching how resilient they are. Their kindness and empathy just blows me away.”

Looking to the future, Ms El-Khoury is keen to complement her passion with her teaching skills.

“I love music so after I’ve had a few years of experience in teaching and being in the classroom, I would like to help develop music programs for primary schools and train teachers to feel confident to teach music in primary schools,” she said.