Mr J and his Insta account

Alumnus builds big social media following to inspire other teachers

Meet Aaron Johnston (BEd, 2008), who epitomises the bright future of teaching. In the lead up to World Teachers’ Day in Australia this Friday, we asked @mr.j.learning.space (as he’s known to his 18,400 followers on Instagram) these questions:

Why a teaching Insta account?
I wanted to connect with colleagues in other states and across the world for advice and inspiration. It’s a great way to see inside the classrooms of other amazing educators and share what I do with others as well.

What has remote learning taught us about teaching?
It’s opened the door into classrooms. We now have a much greater understanding of the role teachers play in supporting the needs of students so they can reach their potential.

You’re Assistant Principal at Point Clare Public School. How have you found remote leaerning?
Difficult, but as we finished our final week of it, a student emailed to thank me for the effort and the feedback we provided. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me, to have a student show such kindness and gratitude.

Any good resources you recommend?
The Teacher Takeaway podcast. I host it with three other incredible educators and school leaders. I also love The New Brew and The Art of Teaching. They’re podcasts, too.

What do you love about teaching?
Making our future all it can be and having an impact beyond the classroom.

Finally, tell us about your Avondale experience?
Studying teaching at Avondale not only enabled me to develop knowledge and understanding of the curriculum but to also apply that in the classroom through practical experience. I felt at home. The smaller class sizes meant I had better access to my lecturers, who were always willing to help in any way they could.