Ms Teagan Dare has held various leadership roles at The Lakes College, most recently as Director of Digital Agency and Data Analytics. Her approach to teaching can be summarised in one word: engagement.
WhichSchool?: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Ms Dare: I began my role as the Director of Digital Agency and Data Analytics in January 2025. However, my journey at The Lakes College started in 2011 with the inaugural cohort of Year 10 students. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a wide range of subjects and have held various leadership roles, including serving as Head of English for the past ten years. It has been an absolute privilege contributing to the College’s growth and supporting both staff and students through seasons of change and innovation.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
Ms Dare: There are so many! But my top three are:
- Having been at The Lakes College since 2011, one of the greatest joys has been teaching siblings across the years and building lasting relationships with families. It’s heartwarming to see each child bring their own spark, and even more special when former students return to visit sometimes just for a chat, a story, or a quick hello. Those moments remind me that our impact often extends far beyond the classroom, and it’s that sense of connection and continuity that makes this work so deeply rewarding.
- Chaperoning the 2012 Taiwan and Hong Kong tour was a true highlight of my career. Watching students try bubble tea and stinky tofu in night markets, share dim sum in Hong Kong, and marvel at Taipei 101 was unforgettable. But it was the friendships they formed – laughing, learning, and connecting across cultures – that made it so special. It reminded me of the power of education to open minds and build lifelong memories.
- Stepping into the role of Director of Digital Agency and Data Analytics at The Lakes College has been an exciting and deeply meaningful next chapter in my professional journey. After ten incredibly fulfilling years as Head of English, I feel grateful for the opportunity to broaden my impact across the College. This role allows me to combine my passion for storytelling and human connection with emerging technologies, empowering both staff and students to engage thoughtfully with AI and data. It’s a joy to help shape learning experiences that are innovative, ethical, and full of possibility.
WS: What makes the school different from other schools?
Ms Dare: Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in diverse educational settings, but nothing has compared to the strong sense of community at The Lakes College. What surprised me the most was seeing how seamlessly students across different year levels interact and support one another. There’s a beautiful camaraderie that transcends age groups, creating an environment of shared learning and mutual respect. The rich multicultural fabric of our school only deepens this sense of belonging, with families from various backgrounds coming together to enrich the experience for all. It’s truly a place where every student can feel at home.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Ms Dare: What makes The Lakes College such a rewarding place to teach is the unique blend of community, curiosity, and care. From the moment you step on campus, there’s a real sense of connection – staff supporting one another, families actively engaged, and students who bring a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Our learners are curious, thoughtful, and driven, constantly asking questions that spark rich discussion. It’s energising to teach in an environment where inquiry is encouraged, and where educators are empowered to grow alongside their students in a culture of shared purpose and possibility.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Ms Dare: Artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably transforming the way we teach, and as someone passionate about education, I find both its possibilities and challenges exciting. While it offers tools to personalise learning and improve efficiency, we also face the challenge of ensuring that students use AI ethically, especially around academic integrity. It’s vital that we strike a balance – embracing AI as a tool to inspire creativity and critical thinking, while always keeping the human connection at the heart of what we do. With thoughtful guidance, AI can enhance the learning experience without overshadowing the personal touch that defines great teaching.
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching.
Ms Dare: My approach to teaching in the Secondary classroom is simple: if I’m not engaged, my students won’t be either. I believe in creating learning experiences that are energetic, challenging, and full of purpose. Data helps me tailor these experiences, but it’s the human connection – laughter, curiosity, and trust – that brings them to life. I want my students to become thinkers, not just doers; to see learning not as a task, but as a mindset. Above all, I believe that every student can achieve. Through scaffolded challenge, visible thinking routines, and holistic support, I strive to create a space where all learners feel capable, confident, and inspired to grow.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Ms Dare: I always wanted to be a teacher, and the incredible educators I had growing up and now work with everyday helped shape that dream. Each one added something to my ‘toolkit’ – whether it was their kindness, belief in me, or quiet encouragement to aim higher. They showed me the impact a teacher can have, and I carry that with me every day into my own classroom.
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