A day in the life of… Maggie Clarke
Maggie Clarke is a senior lecturer working in the School of Education’s Master of Education and Master of Teaching Secondary programs. Maggie has been working at UWS since 1997 and has been a Member of UWS Senate; Deputy Chair of College of Arts Examinations, Assessment and Progressions Committee; Chair of School Academic Committee; Head of Learning and Teaching Forum; Professional Experience Coordinator across three programs; and Unit Coordinator for a number of programs.
Last year, Maggie received the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Before Work
What do you have for breakfast and is there anything you do before you come to work?
I have a Maltese Terrier who I love dearly, and she always wants me to feed and cuddle her before I have my breakfast. I am then allowed to have my breakfast, which is cereal with fruit.
What do you do usually do when you first arrive at UWS?
I walk through the corridor and say good morning to everyone. I then turn on my computer and begin working through my to-do list for the day.
At Work
What classes do you teach?
I work in the secondary program and coordinate the core unit Introduction to Teaching and Learning, which usually has a cohort of around 550-600 students. I also teach in the Master of Education program and I am the Unit Coordinator for the Independent Study Unit and Evaluating Learning Programs Unit.
What are the two or three most important things you are currently working on?
I am currently co-writing a book for pre-service teachers on becoming a teacher, which will be published in January 2014.
I am also the Coordinator for the Education Knowledge Network in the School of Education. This program has courses for all teachers, pre-service teachers and community members. The courses presented are endorsed by the Institute of Teachers. I am currently working on developing courses for endorsement for the Highly Accomplished Teacher.
What regular meetings do you attend, who are they with and what are they about?
My most inspiring meetings are held with my PhD students, as it gives me much pleasure to see them developing as researchers. I also attend many meetings associated with my prime focus, which is teaching UWS students.
What is something that can make a positive difference to your day?
A kind word and a smile are all it take to make me happy for the day! I also like to do one kind thing a day for someone else to either make them happy or help them in some way. I also like to laugh and don’t mind at all having a laugh at myself.
After Work
What might we find you doing outside of work?
Well, I love to go on cruises ... so I take at least one or two cruises a year. My next cruise is to the Baltic, which includes visiting St Petersburg – something I have longed to do.
Mobile options: