For 18 years, Mrs Jacinta Robbins has been dedicated to helping young people grow in confidence, resilience and a love of learning. Recently recognised with the CEO Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Anglican Identity Day (East), the Cobram Anglican Grammar School teacher says the honour reflects not only her own journey, but also the support and encouragement of colleagues and the community throughout her career.
Jacinta reflected on the moments that have shaped her approach to education, the importance of building strong relationships with students, and the lasting impact she hopes every child carries beyond the classroom.
What does receiving the CEO Award mean to you at this point in your teaching journey?
I am honoured and humbled to have received the CEO Award. I have taught at Cobram Anglican Grammar School for 14 years and have worked in education for 18 years. To be recognised for my work makes me feel incredibly proud.
I hope this recognition encourages and inspires members of my First Nations community to pursue their goals and believe in the value of their unique strengths and perspectives.
This award reflects the support, encouragement and inspiration I have received from colleagues throughout my career. I am grateful to everyone who has influenced my growth as a teacher and contributed to making our school such a wonderful place to learn and work.
How do you continue to grow and stay energised in your role?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher and after all these years I remain just as dedicated and passionate about the profession. One of the best aspects of teaching is the ongoing opportunity to reinvent yourself. I enjoy exploring new approaches to teaching and learning, as well as revisiting methods that return with fresh relevance.
It is the students who keep me energised. I value getting to know their unique personalities, understanding what they need from me as their teacher and finding the best ways to support their learning. I am always seeking different ways to keep them engaged, while ensuring they feel safe, confident and supported in their learning environment.
What does a ‘good day’ in your classroom look like?
A ‘good day’ in my classroom is when my students are calm, focused and fully engaged in their learning. They participate with thoughtfulness and curiosity, and feel confident enough to take risks and try new things. They understand that it is okay to make mistakes, as these moments are valuable opportunities for growth and improvement.
A good day also includes time for enjoyment and connection, such as a fun game at the end of the day: a small celebration of the effort, progress and positive learning that has taken place.
What has challenged you most as a teacher….and what did you learn from it?
One challenge that stands out for me is finding the right balance between work and home life. Teaching is a demanding profession and it often extends beyond the school day. With a husband and four children, life is busy, so making time to connect with them both as a family and individually is incredibly important to me.
I have learned that to be the best teacher and mum I can be, I need to be organised, set clear boundaries around my work and be fully present when spending time with my family. Maintaining that balance helps me bring my best self to both roles.
Can you share a moment with a student that reminded you why this work matters?
Not just a moment, but moments. I have had students who begin the year lacking confidence in themselves and often hesitant to attempt tasks without constant guidance. However, when that child begins to believe in themselves and feels safe, their confidence grows and they not only make progress academically, but socially as well. There is no better feeling than when they have a sense of belonging and realise they can do hard things. It reminds me why this job matters so much.
What’s one thing you hope your students carry with them long after they leave your classroom?
I want my students to know that once they are my student, someone is always my student. I want them to understand that they are capable of amazing things and can achieve great success when they try their best, never give up and show resilience when they face setbacks. Above all, I want them to know that I sincerely care about them and will always want the very best for them.
And finally, if you could sum up your approach to teaching in a sentence, what would it be?
My approach to teaching is student-centred, inclusive and flexible, focusing on building strong relationships while using engaging strategies to support every learner’s growth and confidence.
