TLG Ambassadors: Meet Bev
Welcome back to the TLG Leaflet!
This week we will be sharing the story of one of our TLG Ambassadors, Beverley Jackson-Hooper! TLG Ambassadors are a small group of professionals and leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries who are appointed by the Board of Directors to promote TLG’s interests. Our ambassadors have had a connection to TLG, either through past involvement in the organisation or a strong commitment to our cause along with the personal alignment with our vision and mission.
Bev Hooper, Cate Leedman and Bridget Staude at Kununurra Airport
Bev always knew she wanted to be a journalist or a teacher, but upon receiving a teaching scholarship, she had decided to pursue teaching with some journalism units at university. From her first teaching prac, Bev knew teaching was exactly what she wanted to do. Until today, despite having changed subjects and year levels, teaching has remained her passion.
Having grown up in the country and taught in three country schools herself, Bev knew first-hand about the educational disadvantage faced by students in rural and remote areas. Bev had first heard of TLG when one of her ex-students, who was a TLG volunteer, had asked for her help with some warm-up drama games. She realised that it was the same organisation that her husband, Bruce, was involved with through a former employer. Upon working on sponsorship with TLG, Bruce had mentioned Bev’s background on teaching drama so she was asked to lead a workshop on ice breakers. After first getting involved with TLG, Bev was fascinated by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and has been working with TLG ever since. One of her highlights during all this time remains her trip to the Kimberley, especially working with the students and volunteers at Wyndham.
Having worked as a teacher and head of department in rural schools during her career, Bev was able to relate to the problems that students in these schools faced, as well as understand some of the in-school issues. From running her own drama school to Sculpture by the Sea, Bev has experienced teaching in a wide variety of learning environments which has helped her understand the need for adaptability while focussing on the main aim - education.
Bev Hooper on 2021 Winter Rural Program with volunteers, and Front L-R: Craig Walker (Panoramic Resources), Simon Noon (Boab Metals), Bridget Staude (TLG), Bev Jackson-Hooper, Victor Rajasooriar (Panoramic Resources) at Wyndham District High School.
With a strong passion for giving back to the community, Bev’s definition of success is being able to make a difference by empowering students to feel they are succeeding while they enjoy their education. With TLG, she works to bridge the gap in education for rural students while helping volunteers gain an understanding of the issues faced by rural students which she hopes they will take into their future careers. Her piece of advice for individuals wanting to make a difference would be “to find opportunities you feel works for you and to go for it!”
Bruce Hooper, Bev Jackson-Hooper and Bridget Staude at 2020 Summer RP Coordinator Training Day 2
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Written by TLG’s Public Relations Officer, Dharishinni Ambalagam.
