Hobsons Bay teacher Johanna Simmons tells Jennifer Pittorino about her exciting new position at popular prep to year 12 school, Laverton P-12 College.
Johanna also shares her favourite things about living in the Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay area, as well as telling her story of how she came to be where she is today.
Can you tell us your name, title, and the institution you work at?
My name is Johanna Simmons and I am the new acting assistant principal at Laverton P-12 College.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am an English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. I am passionate about how language works and the best ways to teach English, particularly to students from language backgrounds other than English.
Tell us about your work in education?
I’m lucky to have had a variety of experiences in education. I’ve spent a lot of my teaching career in secondary schools but have also taught and lectured at universities and coached primary school teachers. Additionally, I’ve spent around five years developing and delivering professional learning and teacher development programs and during that time had the opportunity to work closely with leading academics on language and literacy pedagogy.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay?
I grew up in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong. I have recently joined the leadership team at Laverton P-12 College and am so happy to be involved with the Hobsons Bay community in this way.
What do you like about where you live?
I love a lot of things about the Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay area, especially the parks, beaches, great coffee, food and bookstores. I have many great local places I like to go to with my family. I also value the community feel, it’s a warm and welcoming place to live.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I’d love a contemporary art gallery!
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I love the beaches in the area and I try and get to those regularly. I also like the community farmers’ markets.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I lived in Mexico and hope to live there again one day.
Is there anything else you would like like to tell our readers.
I’m really happy to have joined the Laverton P-12 College community and have been so welcomed by the wonderful students, staff and community.
