We're for teachers like Jess & Nancy

Teachers Health recently launched our latest brand campaign including a series of TV ads designed to showcase just some of the stories of our educators and the wonderful work they do for their students, and the broader community.

The campaign features two loyal Teachers Health members – Jessica and Nancy – who generously volunteered their time, along with their students, family and community groups, to be part of the ads.

As Brad Joyce, Teachers Health Group CEO says “Our teachers are the reason we’re here. To be able to support such a caring and hardworking group of members makes our job worthwhile. We’re delighted that our new campaign gives a glimpse into our members’ multifaceted lives and passions.”

Meet Jessica, Support Unit Classroom Teacher

With a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education, Jessica teachers students from K to 6 in a primary multi-category support unit class at a school in Lake Macquarie, NSW.

Jessica says the impact her own teachers had in her life and the opportunities they helped provide inspired her to become a teacher herself. She believes that in today’s world, the role teachers play is becoming even more important.

“I feel that in a very fast-paced and ever-changing world, teachers have become a constant in children's lives, a person that they can rely on and confide in,” she explains.

For Jessica, school days start with emotional check-ins, a mantra, singing and dancing. Lessons like maths, literacy, reading and writing are broken up with more singing, calm music, yoga and guided meditations. The class also enjoys outdoor lessons and activities in the school’s idyllic natural setting, and is currently training to compete in the Inclusive Sports Unit Boccia tournament next June!

As Jessica says “Every day is different. Whether it’s hard, funny, full of laughter or tears, they are the absolute best days. I love the lessons not only that I get to teach my students, but the ones they unintentionally teach me. Being a teacher has instilled more compassion, empathy and motivation for change in my heart, and influences the way I operate on a daily basis.”

Meet Nancy, Kalkadoon & Mariam Woman

Amazingly, Nancy is a fifth generation public school teacher and lifelong Teachers Health member, who was born into the fund! She teachers Year 1 at a primary school in Sydney’s Inner West.

Nancy’s family comes from Kalkadoon Country, near Mt Iza, as well as Erub – a tiny island of about four hundred people north of Cape York Peninsula, which is home to the Mariam people.

As a proud Kalkadoon and Mariam woman, Nancy is passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. She says “I became a teacher so in addition to curriculum, I can provide cultural support and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.”

Despite the demands of teaching, Nancy has also been active in her local community over the years. This includes working with the NSW Teachers Federation to support new teachers, working with the NSW AECG to advise schools on Aboriginal education, and helping NSW Police and NSW Health work better with Aboriginal communities. She also spent time teaching in Broken Hill, improving students’ reading skills as a literacy interventionist.

In Nancy’s words, “I really want everybody to be able to feel proud of who they are and where they come from… to give back what we can to better our community, and then better the outcomes for everybody.”