Teaching runs in the family

On World Teachers’ Day we acknowledge, celebrate and thank educators across the country for their dedication to supporting and encouraging students.

In many cases, the profession runs in the family, as is the case in the Gardiner household.

Teaching at the Merredin College since 1998, secondary maths teacher Darren Gardiner said that his love of maths and all the teachers in his family motivated him to have a career in education. 

“I’ve always loved mathematics and wanted to share that passion with others,” he said. 

“My father was also a teacher and played a big part in inspiring me to follow the same path. Teaching has become something of a family tradition, with many of my uncles, aunts, and cousins also involved in education.”  

Looking back at his career, Mr Gardiner said the best thing about being a teacher is seeing students grow in confidence and make real progress in their learning. 

Over the years he’s taught hundreds of students including his daughter Hannah, who now teaches Year 5 at Merredin College. 

"It’s been great having her back in Merredin and a real bonus having her at Merredin College,” he said. 

“It’s also nice to have someone else in the family to share school experiences and discussions with.” 

Mr Gardiner inspired his own daughter to take up the teaching profession. With 2025 being her first-year teaching at Merredin College. 

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always been drawn towards teaching,” Miss Gardiner said. 

“With my dad being a teacher, I was able to see behind the scenes of what being a teacher looked like which did inspire me to become a teacher. 

“The best thing about being a teacher is building relationships and seeing the growth your students make throughout the year.” 

Miss Gardiner said she had her dad as her maths teacher in Year 8 and then in Year 11 and 12 when she was doing her ATAR. 

Being able to work along-side her dad has been helpful both personally and professionally. 

“It’s nice to know that I have his support and can lean on someone when I need,” she said. 

“It’s also great to be able to come to someone for advice who has had many years of experience teaching.” 

Mr and Miss Gardiner aren’t the only family members connected to Merredin College. Mr Gardiner’s son Archer completed Year 12 at the school this year and his wife Narelle works at Merredin Residential College. 

“Narelle and I have always been heavily involved in the community,” he said. 

“We really enjoy supporting the development of young people.  

“It’s been pleasing to see Hannah share that same passion and commitment.” 

Both Mr and Miss Gardiner had advice to share to people wanting to become teachers. 

“While some parts of the job can be challenging, like any career, there are many rewarding moments in teaching,” Mr Gardiner said. 

“It’s important to recognise and embrace those moments whenever they arise.” 

“I would say to remember to be kind to yourself because although teaching is an extremely rewarding job, it can have its challenges,” Miss Gardiner said. 

“As long as you’re doing your best for the students that’s all that matters.” 

There are resources to support World Teachers’ Day. You can access them here.