A Narromine Public School educator has faced a number of the usual first-year teacher challenges, but teaching through a global pandemic was something he never could have prepared for.
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But what is being made a little easier for primary school teacher Ed Smith, is that he is working under the same principal that shaped his formative years when he attended Tottenham Central School.
The first few weeks working with his long-time mentor and new colleagues and students were a 'whirlwind of emotions' for the recent Charles Sturt University teaching graduate.
"In the beginning, I was excited and nervous, and each day was something different," Mr Smith said.
"The most challenging moments were in the first few weeks, where I had to learn the routine of the school and then teach it to my class."
The COVID-19 pandemic has made the task of settling into the profession a unique challenge for this year's graduate teachers, but Ed is focusing on the positives of that challenge.
"I never thought in my first year of teaching that I would be teaching through a pandemic," Ed said.
"Teaching through COVID-19 is an interesting time, and it has given me the opportunity to enhance various skills.
"It allowed me to work closely with my mentor and other staff members to ensure we were creating a quality, blended learning experience for our students."
Working with others, tackling challenges, and being an active member in his communities is something Ed has always been drawn towards.
It is the same tight-knit sense of community, where support is always offered when it is needed, that Ed says is the best part of teaching in a regional town.
"The community in Narromine make it such a great place to teach," he said.
"Everyone is welcoming and willing to help you out. It is great knowing that I have moved to a town where you feel welcome."
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