By Alesha Capone
Jenny Wilkins says that helping children to become confident as they learn is one of most enjoyable aspects of teaching.
Ms Wilkins has worked at Mossfiel Primary School in Hoppers Crossing for more than 20 years.
Before that, she taught at Woodville Primary School and Glen Devon Primary School.
Ms Wilkins was recently recognised for her years of service in the education field, along more than 340 other teachers and school staff across the state.
The state government’s Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program celebrates school employees who have achieved 40, 45 or 50 years in the industry.
Ms Wilkins, who received her 45-year accolade, said that in addition to being a classroom teacher, she has served as a literacy coach, literacy leader and in the Reading Recovery program.
“It’s just a great career and working with children can be very rewarding, although sometimes it’s quite hard,” she said.
Ms Wilkins said she enjoyed building pupils’ confidence in a happy, secure and welcoming learning environment.
“It’s just building those relationships and the lightbulb moments when they reach a milestone on their learning,” she said.
“Just those moments where they look as you as if to say, ‘I can do this’.”
Ms Wilkins said she also liked being greeted by youngsters and former pupils while out in the community.
“Once an ex-student who became a nurse came up to me and said: ‘Thanks for making me read’,” Ms Wilkins said.
“Something like that really gives you a buzz.”
Ms Wilkins said she started working at Mossfiel, where her three daughters were pupils , as it made the family’s morning routines much easier.
“I have no regrets, it’s a great school,” she said.
One of Ms Wilkins’ daughters has followed in her footsteps to become a teacher, while the other two have pursued careers as a scientist and in public relations.
Ms Wilkins said decided to become a teacher while in high school, after her tradie father became a teacher in the technical school system.
“I started my career using chalk, then computers came in, followed by interactive whiteboards and now we have remote learning,” she said.
“I’ve learned you cannot replace face-to-face teaching, it’s so valuable.”
Ms Wilkins said that when she retires at the end of this year, she hopes to spend more time with her family and return to her hobby of golf.
The Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program also recognised Robert Graham and Sophie Zwolanski-Morovic from The Grange P-12 College for 45 years in the field, along with William Wringe from Point Cook Senior Secondary College.
Woodville Primary School staff member Christina Dodds has been recognised for 50 years in the industry.
