Teacher Tuesday – Mr John Taylor

Our profile for this week is on Health and Physical Education teacher, Director of Cross Country (7-12) and Head of Year 12, Mr John Taylor.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER?

Whilst completing a commerce degree at Curtin University I continued to coach athletics and cross country at my old school, Aquinas College. Upon completing that degree my best friend and I decide to go on an adventure and teach English in rural Japan. My experiences in Japan further highlighted the enjoyment I found from teaching and learning. Upon my return to Perth I completed my Dip Ed and some thirteen years later here I am.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHING MEMORY?

For me, it’s that little nod across the yard you get from a student who you have helped through a challenging time – be it academic, sporting, behavioural or a family matter.

WHY WESLEY?

I went to a Catholic school and spent my first six years teaching in Catholic education so I was interested in working in a different environment. A mentor of mine who had worked at Wesley, Mr Michael Dempsey, spoke highly of the College and the Physical Education Department here so when the position came up I applied and now count myself lucky to have had the opportunities and experiences Wesley has provided.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?

I don’t have a favourite quote but a favourite action: the New Zealand rugby team do not having cleaners at their facilities as they have the mantra of always wanting to make sure that they leave it in as good, if not better, shape than when they arrived. It’s largely about taking responsibility for ones own actions and not having any sense of entitlement.