Originally from Manchester, the British gem has been living in Shepparton for a year now after her social work career revealed her true calling.
“When I was a social worker, I had a placement in a school with children with additional needs,” she said.
“I spent a lot of time in classes, and it just changed my idea – I didn’t want to be a social worker, I wanted to be with the children.”
After obtaining her teaching qualifications, Sophie rummaged through LinkedIn and was drawn to positions available in Australia, a country she had visited frequently, and other family members had relocated.
All router-enabled roads led to Banmira Specialist School, where she started in January 2024 at the senior campus.
Sophie credits much of her successful transition to a combination of support, from the teaching agency ANZUK Education to the school assisting with accommodation and even aid from the Victorian Government.
“That care from the school really helped me, and I was lucky enough to get a relocation package from the Victorian Government, so they reimbursed my flights, which then helped me set up my home,” she said.
Part of that set-up includes a dining room table for papers spread out, separated into two stacks: those that have been graded and those that have not.
It can also accommodate guests.
“We have a social group at school – we’ll go out for meals, some drinks, and days out – which has been really nice to meet new people,” Sophie said.
“Everyone’s been so friendly. Like, ‘Here's my number, and if you need anything, just let me know’, which has been great, and you’ve not felt any different.”
Despite her buzzing life outside of lesson plans, the educator finds her greatest joy in the classroom at Banmira and the strong bonds she has forged with her students, whom she “absolutely loves”.
“They make me laugh and make me smile ... there are some characters,” Sophie said.
“You build such a good relationship with them from having that opportunity where you not only work with them in class, but you also have community visits.
“I went with some children to basketball last year, and seeing their relationships out of the school environment is really nice.”
Sophie is not just a name on Banmira’s faculty list, she’s a role model to her students – resilient, ambitious, and an absolute treasure to talk to.
– Taylah Baker
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