September 13, 2012
By Marcus Priaulx
Classroom mentors Shantelle Georgetown and Alex Speedy have amazed teachers with their ability to help children learn at Cherbourg State School.
The young couple has two children aged two and four but still manage to help in the classrooms almost every day.
They cut an impressive duo with their polished presentation and graceful manner, and they love what they do.
Alex admits there are days he finds trying but he buckles up and rises to the occasion.
“There are times when the children just want to see me as a joker they see on the street, but in the classroom I have to stay professional,” he said.
“I’m close to some of their parents but here I have to be in charge.
“After they’ve finished their work the children’s faces light up with a smile if they show Miss Judy what they’ve done and she likes it.
“It makes my day. I go home even happier.”
Shantelle loves every day.
“When I hear the kids say ‘it’s easy’ and knowing that I taught them something today makes me feel overwhelmed,” she said.
The pair are determined to instil the love of learning within their own children.
“We want them to get up wanting to go to school without us having to force them,” Alex said.
He and Shantelle also have a new appreciation for teachers as they believed their job would be easy.
“From being young to now, is an eye opener,” Shantelle said. “I never saw it from a teacher’s point of view when I was at school.”
Alex agrees. He admits he didn’t pay much attention in class and was friends with a rowdy crew.
“Today I see the teachers and feel a bit bad about how I was as a kid,” Alex said.
“We need our children to appreciate what they do. I think parents need to get more involved with the teachers and communicate better with them too. The teachers are here to teach and the kids to learn.
“Parents need to listen to the teachers and get their feedback, not just take their children’s word about what goes on.
“The teachers want the children to do well and more people should appreciate that.”
Principal Peter Sansby said Shantelle and Alex were a massive asset to the school.
“All staff believe they do an amazing job,” Mr Sansby said.
“I – and others – think they should think about a career in education.”
[Photos: Marcus Priaulx]
