The Swot Shop teaching team comprises qualified and highly experienced primary and high school teachers who share a passion for teaching and a dedication to student success. With a wealth of knowledge, our teachers are at the heart of The Swot Shop, bringing our educational philosophy to life every day.
Q & A with Sonia, one of our incredible teachers and Swot Shop enthusiast.
What has been your journey with the Swot Shop?
With 15 years of experience teaching Science across several NSW schools, I’ve always been involved in after-school tutoring. Over the years, I’ve worked at several centres that promised exceptional educational experiences, yet none have quite matched the quality offered by The Swot Shop. Now in my second term here, I can say, as an educator with extensive experience, that I am genuinely impressed by the calibre of programs and lesson plans. The organisation and dedicated effort in designing each lesson to meet high academic standards is outstanding. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience, as it allows me to reach my full potential and deliver each lesson confidently and effectively to my students.
What is your educational and professional background?
I bring 15 years of experience teaching Science, specialising in Biology and Chemistry. In addition to my Science background, I have two years’ experience teaching Hospitality, Design and Technology, Coding, and Junior Engineering. This diverse teaching portfolio has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set and strong adaptability across subjects, enriching my approach to engaging students in STEM fields.
What do you enjoy most about your role with The Swot Shop?
What I enjoy most about my role with The Swot Shop is the chance to work across different programs. The structure and clarity of the teaching materials make delivering lessons smooth and engaging. The well-prepared resources allow me to focus on the students and make each session both effective and enjoyable.
Which Swot Shop program is your favourite and why?
My favourite program to teach at The Swot Shop is the OC Preparation course. The lessons are both highly engaging and challenging, which I find incredibly rewarding. I love seeing the students’ faces light up as they work through problem-solving questions and gain confidence with each success.
How would you characterise the students you teach at The Swot Shop?
The students I teach at The Swot Shop are truly remarkable. Across my six classes, they are consistently dedicated, vibrant, and eager to learn. They are full of energy and enjoy a good challenge. With their optimistic outlooks, creativity, and focus, they make every lesson enjoyable, bringing a unique personality and enthusiasm to the classroom that makes them stand out.
If you could explain to future students and teachers, why they should consider joining the Swot Shop what would you say?
For future students and teachers, joining The Swot Shop is a unique opportunity to experience top-quality, structured educational programs that are both challenging and engaging. As a teacher, you’ll find the resources and materials provided are exceptional, making it easy to deliver effective lessons with confidence. Students benefit from a learning environment that is supportive yet stimulating, designed to help them reach their full potential. The Swot Shop is a fantastic place to be for anyone who values quality education and is committed to achieving their best.
Do you have any special stories or anecdotes from your time at the Swot Shop that you would like to share?
One memorable day at The Swot Shop, I introduced a particularly challenging set of problem-solving questions to my Math Talent D class. At first, there were a few groans and a lot of intense concentration – but soon, the atmosphere shifted. As the students began working through the problems together, you could feel the room’s energy growing. By the end of the lesson, they were bouncing ideas off one another, high fiving as they cracked each solution. Watching their faces light up with each breakthrough was incredibly rewarding, and I could see their confidence growing with every challenge they conquered. Moments like that are why I love teaching here!
