Inspiring future healthcare workers, one student at a time
After more than 30 years in healthcare and 22 years in education, Shaun Lacey still believes the most important lessons are often the simplest.
Now working as a Senior Vocational Education Teacher at Mater Education, Shaun’s role has evolved beyond the classroom, allowing him to support the teachers who are mentoring the next generation of healthcare workers.
“This role has allowed me to support my new colleagues as they start teaching students, showing them the Mater way and how we approach learning,” he said.
“I have always been coaching and mentoring throughout my time at Mater, but I think it's lovely that it's now formalised in this new role."
For Shaun, one of the most rewarding aspects during his time at Mater Education has been watching students discover pathways they may never have considered before.
"A lot of them are wanting to actually pursue further healthcare studies after high school,” he said.
"Seeing them start their journey at 15 or 16 years old and then watching them complete their Certificate III and enjoy it so much that they decide to study a Diploma of Nursing is something that fills me with pride.
“Watching them follow the same pathway that I took is incredibly gratifying.”
This year’s theme for World Teachers’ Day, Shine a Light on Teachers, is an opportunity to put the impact of teachers in the spotlight, in big ways and small.
For Shaun, the wisdom from his Diploma of Nursing teacher still shapes his healthcare career today.
“Imagine the patient you are caring for is your loved one,” he said.
"As a nurse, those I was caring for stopped being a complete stranger and became a family member. It meant that the bar for my standards was set high, because everyone is someone’s family member or someone’s loved one.”
Today, he passes that message onto his students and asks them: How would you feel if it was your loved one?
"Every person that you come across, treat them as if it's someone that you care deeply about and it will always keep you on track and ensure that you have high standards," he said.
Shaun hopes that his fellow teachers recognise the impact they have and the difference they can make in shaping the next generation of healthcare workers.
"Students will remember the interactions, the kindness and the passion that you have shown them during their learning at Mater Education,” Shaun said.
"Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do."
