Teaching, for Crossroads School Grade 1 teacher Emily Jacobs, is more than reading, writing, and mathematics.
For her, it is about helping children feel valued, supported, and confident enough to believe in themselves. Jacobs said one of the biggest challenges she has faced as an educator has been learning to trust her own abilities, and recognising that progress is often slow and steady, rather than immediate. “Growth doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic moments. Often it’s quiet, gradual, and deeply meaningful.”

Like many teachers, Jacobs admits she still experiences moments of self-doubt. However, it is the small victories that keep her motivated. “When a learner suddenly reads a word they struggled with for weeks, or when something finally clicks after lots of hard work, it reminds me why I do this.”

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Teaching young children has also changed the way she views life. Spending her days with six and seven-year-olds has taught her to celebrate small successes, find joy in simple things, and approach life with curiosity and optimism.

One particularly memorable moment involved a young learner who had a speech delay and had struggled socially at a previous school. While quietly working one day, he looked up and unexpectedly told her, ‘I love you, Mrs Jacobs’. It is moments like these that stay with her forever.

Jacobs believes meaningful learning starts with connection and trust. By building strong relationships with learners and parents, she creates an environment where children feel safe and supported. While the never-ending to-do list can be challenging, she says seeing children develop confidence in themselves remains the most rewarding part of her job.

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Above all, Jacobs hopes every child leaves her classroom knowing they are loved, accepted, and capable. “I hope my learners remember me as kind, accepting, and someone who made learning fun.”

For Jacobs, that may be the most important lesson of all.

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