Challenges in education post COVID

It was fascinating to hear from our newest member Mina Pitliangas at our recent meeting

Mina provided some reflections on contemporary education drawing on his long experience as the Director of Finance at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS), a job he loves but he said that he always had a yearning to be a teacher, even with a training and high level experience in finance

Mina has found his entry into this current role some 22 years ago an ideal mix of his interest in both accounting and teaching work.

Mina said that, Post Covid, schools face two challenges:

1. staff / teacher shortages.

2 supporting students with social, emotional and learning difficulties

He said teacher shortages can be repaired by better terms and conditions, including salaries.

The pandemic exacerbated challenges for many students with social, emotional and learning difficulties Teachers are working hard to provide support for all students, but the importance of learning assistants/teacher aides can’t be underestimated.

Mina said that greater investment is required to create environments and facilities that are conducive to learning and create environments in the public school system.

Whilst buildings and infrastructure are important students always remember the teachers who provided a value based education.

Private sector education is currently doing better than the government sector due to the investment by parents in the private sector. Private sector education is also often being supported by grandparents by paying for school fees, which has resulted in a wider market of students.

Mina believes that opportunities in education begin with a stable family which understands and supports its children at home by providing a learning environment.

Prior to working at PEGS, Mina trained as an accountant and worked for a large consulting firm. He joined our club in 2022 and has become one of our most active members.

TEXT ADAPTED FROM MINA'S PRESENTATION AND IMAGES: PEGS, MINA PITLIANGAS AND DAVID REDFEARN

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