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Year 4 Cross-Campus Team Leader and teacher (and new Head of Boarding): Elisa Carroll

Helping her students unlock their potential and achieve their very best, specialist Primary teacher Elisa Carroll especially loves those 'light bulb' moments when her young learners grasp a new idea or concept.
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Year 4 Cross-Campus Team Leader and teacher Elisa Carroll is passionate about providing the best educational programmes and opportunities for her young charges. She artfully combines her love of teaching with engagement, warmth, dedication and positive energy to ensure her students are in the best possible learning environment.

Having conquered her roles in the dental healthcare industry and corporate world, Elisa decided the time was right to move into a more inspiring and rewarding career. As a result, the Australian native completed post-graduate studies to become a teacher in 2009 – and she hasn't looked back.

Since then, the experienced educator has taught in regional government schools in Victoria, followed by positions in two leading independent schools, which also included team leadership and curriculum development responsibilities.

Elisa, you moved to AIS almost two years ago. What was it that attracted you to the school?
Honestly, there were several things. Firstly, AIS is a renowned school in a thriving and bustling city. The culture is one of inclusion, respect and support, where student agency is at the fore, and pastoral care is wrapped around every aspect of school life. Secondly, I believe that the relationships a school forms with students and families are incredibly important, and the sense of community that exists at AIS is outstanding.

Thirdly, the school focuses on developing globally-minded citizens who can make a difference. This clear vision and purpose really appealed to me, as did the chance to work with a cohesive and strong leadership team and passionate, committed colleagues.

Alongside your responsibilities as Year 4 Cross-Campus Team Leader, you are a specialist Primary teacher. What do you enjoy most about teaching young learners?
The curiosity of a child inspires me to create learning opportunities that engage and stimulate the students in my care. There isn't a day that passes that I don't learn something from them. Seeing their 'ah-ha' moments is a privilege, and their enthusiasm is infectious. 

It's also extremely gratifying to be able to create a supportive learning environment where students achieve success and growth. But the most rewarding aspect is knowing I am providing a positive influence in a child's life – academically, socially, and emotionally.

What words do you think your students would use to describe you?
Kind, caring, just, empathetic, listens.

I understand that you will be Head of Boarding for the next academic year. Can you explain what this entails?
I was incredibly excited to be appointed as the new Head of Boarding for AIS (with boarding accommodation for up to 50 students). My role is to oversee the students' day-to-day pastoral and physical needs and support their academic learning by liaising with the Secondary and Executive Principals.

Essentially, I'm their 'stand-in' mum, ably supported by my husband, who is the Primary and Kindergarten Principal. Plus, we are the proud parents of three adult children who have lived and boarded overseas.

What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
Meeting the students, getting to know them and living as a family to create wonderful memories of their time at AIS.

So, what can we expect to see from you in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year?
You can expect to see a very busy, organised, stable, calm, happy, collaborative teacher, team leader and Head of Boarding. I will be exceptionally well supported by an amazing group of teachers, leaders and students.

Clearly, you have a great deal of experience in education. Can you tell us about your formal qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Arts and Psychology, a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), a Graduate Certificate of Teaching Students with Autism and a Professional Certificate of Instructional Leadership.

Where might we find you when you are not at work?
I have a pretty varied range of interests, including travel, reading, technology, socialising, renovating houses, music, sewing, and generally being creative.

And finally, what tips or advice do you always share with your students?
I encourage all of my students to have a routine, find time to relax, be organised and learn to prioritise. I tell them always to give their best effort, seek advice, ask questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. I let them know that it's okay to fail as long as they have tried and explain the power of YET (I can't do this yet).