Bright P-12 Featured Staff Profile
1. Name: Mark Betheras
2. Role/Responsibilities at P-12: VCE English, Year 7 English and Humanities and Wellbeing Co-ordinator/Leading Teacher.
3. Where did you go to school? I began my topsy-turvy primary school education at Omeo, then we went to Yarrawonga, Kinglake and Beaconsfield. Pakenham High School followed for three years and then Haileybury College where I failed to make much progress beyond honing my cricket and football skills. The art program suited me, too.
4. My 60-second life story? I travelled a lot overseas as a young man which was a wonderful education and filled in big gaps. Some young people need plenty of time and space and I was one of those. I played a lot of sport and always enjoyed great support from my family. I did lots of different casual work prior to beginning my teaching career at 28 years of age. I have also enjoyed prolonged breaks from teaching. Firstly to manage a farm and then later work overseas, a year with my family as a volunteer in Tonga and then on my own in the Maldives and Sri Lanka after the Indian Ocean tsunami. Another time we took the kids on an around Australia camping trip. I have dabbled in farming most of my married life which has resulted in there always being plenty to do, which I enjoy.
5. What inspires me within my role at P-12? Working with young people who are finding their feet in life is certainly an interesting and satisfying way to make a living. To play a guiding role in a young person’s life, even for a short time, adds purpose to my life. Maybe because I didn’t really make the most of my own time at school I gain genuine satisfaction in supporting young people through theirs. Like most teachers I embrace the responsibility of interacting positively with my students.
6. My interests outside school are my family, farming, fishing, writing, sport, travelling in Australia and overseas, and last but not least, my chooks and dogs. The Victorian high country has been my passion since childhood.
7. What is my vision for the future for Bright P-12? The best way to move forward is through positive interactions where we all listen closely and find ways to contribute. Teachers need to know their students well. Parents and teachers need to know each other and communicate effectively in finding the best way forward for the child. Life-long learning is the goal. The ability to begin afresh each day helps a lot. Bright P-12 already has lots of committed and inspiring staff who work hard to provide great learning opportunities for their students. The tone of the school is friendly and supportive but we can always do better. Our facilities are second to none. There will be issues day to day in every school but with prompt and supportive responses the harmful effects are minimised.
8. My favourite quotes relating to working in schools: I like ‘Being able to teach is important, only just behind a willingness to learn!’ and ‘You can’t help others unless you’ve already learnt to help yourself’
