Science and Visual Arts teacher Mr Evan Kók attributes the strong professional support network at The Lakes College for making him a more capable, connected, and effective educator.
WhichSchool? (WS): What is your position/role at the school?
Mr Evan Kók: I am a secondary teacher with a teaching portfolio that spans both Science and Visual Arts, an interdisciplinary combination that often surprises people at first. While these fields may appear quite distinct, I find that they complement each other exceptionally well. Integrating elements of both disciplines into my lessons allows me to approach teaching with creativity and analytical depth, helping students engage with complex concepts through multiple lenses and learning styles.
WS: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Mr Kók: I began my journey at The Lakes College in Semester 2 of 2024 and have recently completed my first year. Without hesitation, I can say that these past 12 months have been the most rewarding and fulfilling of my professional life, across three distinct careers.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
Mr Kók: Reflecting on my time at the school, three experiences stand out as particular highlights. On World Teachers’ Day last October, I arrived to find a collection of heartfelt messages and cards from students on my desk, and it was a truly affirming and touching reminder of the impact we can have as educators.
My background in photography has also given me the unique opportunity to engage with students across year levels during events such as sports days and swimming carnivals. Being able to capture their energy and school spirit firsthand has deepened my connection to the wider school community.
Perhaps most memorably, assisting in the organisation and installation of the school’s art exhibition last year was both daunting and deeply rewarding. Seeing the excitement and pride from students, staff, and families as we celebrated the remarkable work being created in our classrooms made every effort worthwhile.
WS: What makes the school different from other schools?
Mr Kók: The powerful sense of community and the vibrant celebration of cultural diversity at The Lakes College are truly inspiring to witness and a privilege to be part of. As a Uniting Church school, we uphold inclusive values while embracing the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and faiths represented within our student body. This diversity is not only acknowledged but actively celebrated through events, classroom discussions, and school-wide initiatives. Such an environment fosters empathy, mutual respect, and global awareness, providing students with meaningful opportunities to understand the importance of diversity in shaping a more inclusive and interconnected world.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Mr Kók: As a teacher new to the profession, I’ve found the strong professional support network at The Lakes College to be truly transformative. The wealth of development and mentorship opportunities has been invaluable and helped fostering my growth and confidence in the classroom. It’s a nurturing environment that I believe has already made me a more capable, connected, and effective educator.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Mr Kók: I believe one of the most pressing challenges in both primary and secondary education is equipping students with the knowledge and discernment to use AI effectively. While much attention is given to the misuse of AI, particularly in relation to academic integrity, I believe our focus needs to be continuing to help students understand when and how to harness these tools meaningfully. Teachers need to be at the forefront of AI integration, ensuring that students not only learn to use AI responsibly but also to critically assess its outputs. It’s easy for students to assume that AI-generated information is always accurate or unbiased, which can lead to misinformation or poorly constructed work. Many also lack the foundational skills to evaluate AI content, formulate effective prompts, or comprehend how these systems function, risking widening existing educational disparities. By approaching AI with thoughtful intent, educators can help students become empowered, reflective, and creative users of technology, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching?
Mr Kók: My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should nurture both open-mindedness and critical thinking. I draw inspiration from thinkers like William Hare, who emphasises the importance of cultivating openness to new ideas, and Harvey Siegel, who views critical thinking as a central aim of education. I see open-mindedness not as passive acceptance but as an active willingness to engage with diverse perspectives and revise one’s views when presented with compelling reasons. In my classroom, I aim to create a space where inquiry, respectful disagreement, and thoughtful dialogue are encouraged and where students learn not just what to think, but how to think. By embracing these values, I hope to empower my students to become curious, reflective, and responsible participants in an increasingly complex world.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Mr Kók: I can’t attribute my inspiration to a single teacher, but rather to a particular teaching style shared by several of my educators. These teachers displayed a genuine passion for their subjects and an enthusiasm that was infectious. Being in their classrooms was a joy as they brought the content to life through engaging anecdotes that sparked my curiosity and made me want to understand the “why” and “how” behind each concept. This approach to teaching left an impression on me, and I strive to bring that same energy and curiosity into my own classroom.
At the same time, I also remember the impact of teachers who allowed their personal struggles to spill into their teaching. One vivid example is a maths teacher from my senior years, whose difficult personal circumstances made the learning environment uncomfortable and disengaging. That experience left as strong a mark on me as the lessons themselves and serves as a reminder for me of how important it is to maintain a positive, focused space for students. I draw on both experiences to shape the kind of educator I aspire to be.
More reading: The Lakes College opens three new playgrounds
