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WIN 1 of 20 copies of Teacher by Gabbie Stroud, valued at $29.99 each, thanks to Allen & Unwin.

‘Gabbie’s story needs to be shouted from the rooftops. She very eloquently shows us why and how education needs to change…Teacher made me laugh and cry. I loved it!’ – Kathy Margolis, former teacher and activist.

Watching children learn is a beautiful and extraordinary experience. Their bodies transform, reflecting inner changes. Teeth fall out. Knees scab. Freckles multiply. Throughout the year they grow in endless ways and I can almost see their self-esteem rising, their confidence soaring, their small bodies now empowered. Given wings.

They fall in love with learning.

It is a kind of magic, a kind of loving, a kind of art.

It is teaching.

Just teaching.

Just what I do.

What I did.

Past tense.

In 2014, Gabrielle Stroud was a very dedicated teacher with over a decade of experience. Months later, she resigned in frustration and despair when she realised that the Naplan-test education model was stopping her from doing the very thing she was best at: teaching individual children according to their needs and talents. Her ground-breaking essay ‘Teaching Australia’ in the Feb 2016 Griffith Review outlined her experiences and provoked a huge response from former and current teachers around the world. That essay lifted the lid on a scandal that is yet to properly break – that our education system is unfair to our children and destroying their teachers.

In a powerful memoir inspired by her original essay, Gabrielle tells the full story: how she came to teaching, what makes a great teacher, what our kids need from their teachers, and what it was that finally broke her. A brilliant and heart-breaking memoir that cuts to the heart of a vital matter of national importance.

Please note this competition is open from 31 July 2018 until 31 August 2018 and is only available to members of Mouths Of Mums. This competition is a game of skill – answer in 50 words or less. We are unable to accept entries posted via facebook. Facebook LIKE functionality is not a requirement of entry to this competition. The winners of this competition will be published on this page. Winners’ name and address will be provided to the promoter of this competition and prizes will be sent to the address you have in Your Profile. Please ensure your details are up to date so that you receive your prize.

Winners for this competition

  1. Y. MarkowskiNSW
  2. J. BuckleyNSW
  3. L. KalkmanNSW
  4. S. Allen-StephensSA
  5. D. SipoczQLD
  6. J. HobsonVIC
  7. J. StephensVIC
  8. N. ZoisVIC
  9. M. HarmataNSW
  10. P. BrownTAS
  11. T. BurrowsQLD
  12. A. KenyonSA
  13. L. BurnsNSW
  14. J. MaundersVIC
  15. L. HostNSW
  16. R. JoyVIC
  17. W. CarolSA
  18. K. BerwickTAS
  19. C. MitsonWA
  20. L. CormackACT
  • Mr Mason – my Year 8 Maths teacher. He made it FUN and learning new concepts was an adventure!


  • Mr. Haungs. He was my maths teacher and happened to be a friend of my parents (before he was my teacher). After I had been home sick for two months he offered to tutor me for free at night time until I had caught up


  • Mrs Walkley is my favourite teacher because she inspired me to be me :)


  • MY MUM SHE WAS A DEDICATED TEACHER BOTH AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL…STRICT BUT JUST AND ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR EACH PUPIL/CHILD


  • My science teacher – he was always a bit of a dork and the kids used to tease him behind his back – but he was always very kind and I’ve always remembered that.


  • My favourite teacher was my kindergarten and year 2 teacher, Mrs Dawson. She was so patient and caring and really took her time with me. I was such a severely shy child and she really brought me out of my shell.


  • Mr Monty! He was the teacher every student wanted – he let us play games, he let us have a longer lunch but he still got all his teaching done, in a cooler way!


  • My year 7 teacher as he not only helped me academically but also built my confidence


  • My history teacher because she worked hard for our cohort to succeed academically and went above and beyond to make sure we were ready for finals.


  • Mr Hill
    He was old school and no-one was game to muck up in his class.
    Wonder what he is doing now days? Probably teaching someone a lesson!


  • Mrs. Kay was my favourite teacher in year 3 and 4. She was old, kind and patient. All the things you wish for in a teacher when you are trying to learn and finding it hard. Small and never towering over us, even that made it easier to relate to her.


  • MY MOTHER SHE WAS A TEACHER AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME SHE TAUGHT US WHEN WE FOUND SOMETHING DIFFICULT AND ALWAYS INSPIRED US TO REACH FOR THE STARS


  • Mrs Thomas was my teacher in year 5 and much to my delight again in year 6. She encouraged and nurtured me, helped me develop self confidence despite my unhealthy/unsafe home life. She believed in me when no one else did.


  • My Grade 5 Teacher, Mr Platt – he taught me to write the most imaginative short stories and also gave our class daily pep talks to NEVER bully anyone – two eternal life skills I practice to this day!


  • Didn’t real have one – but I think for someone who has taught me a lot in life in would have to be my MUM.


  • MY CLASS TEACHER IN GRADE FOUR SHE ALWAYS LISTENED AND EVERY ONE WAS TREATED EQUALLY I ALWAYS TRY TO FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS


  • My 4th and 5th grade teacher Mrs Thow. She was such a fantastic support for my family and I during a difficult time. Such a beautiful lady that left a lasting impression on me. Her motto: KIP. (Keep it Positive).


  • I loved my transition teacher (in between kindergarten and year 1) back in the day Mrs Hoffman. We ended up finding out she was 5th cousins to us. She had time for every student and helped us individually. There was nothing she couldn’t do, she was awesome.


  • My favourite teacher was Mr. Hill, he taught me chemistry, I loved all the crazy experiments, and how he made it relevant to life. To this day I love chemistry it still lights me up.


  • My Year 4 teacher was all about Maths results. My report said “Lyn daydreams too much”. That was because my head was full of stories. My 5th class teacher, Mr. Miles, focussed on my strengths – my stories and my 39 drawings. I believe he changed the course of my life.


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