Next year Ms Brooks will begin 2022 on leave, before moving into retirement! Linda has been quietly sharing her news with her class, supporting them to transition into not only a new learning space in 2022, but a new teacher too. We are now ready to share this excitement with the entire Dernancourt community!
Linda started studying an OT degree, then after having her first son, a friend suggested to her that she return to university to study teaching. Linda graduated with Bachelor of Teaching majoring in religion and sociology.
Ms Brooks successfully applied for a position at Thomas Moore College in the Vanier Unit 1990, starting her teaching career in the in the private system. While was working there, she completed Bachelor of Special Education a Flinders University. This degree provided her with the knowledge and understandings to match her passion for working with students with disabilities. In 1991 Linda moved into the in public education system, making 2021 her 30th year with Department for Education. We have been lucky enough to have Ms Brooks for 15 years of this!
During her 30 year career Linda has continued study, completing her Masters in Special Education and AUSLAN courses. These skills enabled her successfully apply for roles at a number of special schools and special classes.
Before coming to Dernancourt in 2007, Linda taught at Elizabeth Special School, Salisbury High School, where she assisted in the development, design and building of their SMD unit. She then became their unit coordinator before moving onto Riverland Special School, Victor Harbor Primary and High Schools, then Ashford Special School, Richmond Primary School and Anangu Education Services. Linda finishes her career being able to say that she has worked with learners at every year level, Reception through to Year 13!
When sharing her reflection on her career, Linda notes her highlight as being part of creating a specialised unit for students in a high school setting and that then became the prototype for other units within high schools in the state. She is also particularly proud of the students that she has had in her classes that have continued their education beyond school, completing university degrees of their own. Ms Brooks notes that seeing students blossom and grow as the main reason that she continues to love her job, and encourages others to choose teaching as a career.
In her retirement Linda plans to spend more time focussing on her other passions in life, sewing, gardening, painting and of course travelling (when she is when able to). We are sure that her family, especially her grandchildren, are looking forward to having their nanny to themselves, and have planned ways to spend time with her.
We, like Linda, hope that she continues to enjoy each day as she moves on to her next adventure.
On behalf of the Dernancourt community, we wish Linda all the very best in her retirement. We think the Marilyn Appelbaum quote “The children you teach may not remember you when they get older, but they will always have a part of you inside them…the part that gave them hope and love and taught them to believe in themselves.” sums up Linda’s contribution to education over the last 30 years. We will miss her wit and whistle, and look forward to celebrating her career with her at a staff event.
