Spotlight On: Mr Nick Stack

Posted July 18, 2023 in Interviews & Spotlights, Teacher Spotlights, The Wesleyan By Sophie Foster

Teachers are famous for focussing on the three Rs. But in Mr Stack’s case, they represent: rugby, recipes and relationships.

 

Tell us about how you became a teacher.

My journey to becoming a teacher started straight after school. I was a student at Scotch College (don’t hurt me) and I returned to the school as a Rugby Coach and transferred to being a Residential Mentor at the Boarding House. In this space, I began to find a love of helping children from Years 5 to 12.

What kind of student were you when you were at school?

I had an interesting journey as a student. I started my schooling in Sydney and I had a really difficult time understanding skills and concepts. It wasn’t always the easiest time. There were often tears due to frustration and thinking I didn’t belong in the classroom. Moving into Senior School I developed a high interest in History and English. In the end, this was just the beginning of my passion for these subjects, as I pursued them after school!

Did you have a favourite teacher at school?

My favourite teacher and one that I continuously thank for making me the man I am today, was a man named Mr Phillips. He was my teacher in Year 5 and during this time, I was very poor in my academics. However, he saw something in me and made sure to push me to be the best version of myself. When I teach, I often think of him. Asking myself, “What would Mr Phillips have done in this situation?”

What’s it like to be in Mr Stack’s classroom?

I pride myself on having a very welcoming and safe classroom environment. My teaching philosophy is centred around relationships. Always knowing things about my students, that I wouldn’t see in the classroom is crucial to me getting through to them. Whether it be their favourite Marvel character, their footy score, or the size of the fish they caught on the weekend. This can be invaluable to the point where a student’s engagement heightens, and they feel like they want to come to my class.

What do you do outside of Wesley?

Not many people know this at Wesley, but I love to cook. I love trying new things and often have big cook-ups with friends at our place. I find it therapeutic!

 

Mr Stack is a Middle School Teacher at Wesley. This article was originally published in the Winter 2023 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.

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