By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
The teaching aspirations of Verrierdale resident Kasia Palko have been given a financial boost with a $5000 Future Teacher Scholarship from Teachers Mutual Bank.
Kasia was one of just seven students in Australia to receive the funding after she impressed judges with her passion for teaching.
Currently in her third year of a dual-degree of a bachelor of special education (primary) and a bachelor of disability services through the University of New England, Kasia also works as a special learning support teacher’s assistant at Noosa Pengari Steiner School.
For the single mother of two teenage children, returning to the classroom has been a challenge and she welcomed the financial assistance with open arms.“This scholarship removes a big financial burden,” Kasia said.
“It has helped tremendously on an everyday basis and has allowed me to focus on my studies and becoming a skilled special education teacher.”
Kasia’s passion has always been in supporting young adults and children, and tertiary education was a natural progression after a long career in social work and learning support.
As a future special education teacher, she is focused on fostering her students’ self-esteem and helping them develop by building quality and respectful relationships with others.
“For me, teaching is an incredible experience that I look forward to every day – seeing smiling children in class makes me feel like I’m doing something great,” Kasia said.
