At Nazareth, we believe in nurturing growth and development not just for our students but for our entire community, including staff.
We’re excited to introduce InspirED, a new series that highlights how our educators and professionals are harnessing professional development experiences and programs to inspire themselves, their colleagues, and, most importantly, our students.
In each story, we’ll showcase how our educators and professionals are continually learning and innovating, enhancing their skills to bring fresh perspectives to our community.
Spotlight: Grace Gava
Grace Gava (7‑12 Leader of Teaching & Learning ‑ Languages, PLP, Business & Careers), recently took part in a transformative professional development experience in Tropea, Calabria, Italy.
Funded by a scholarship, Grace spent three weeks at Piccola Università, immersed in an intensive language course that combined daily classes with cultural excursions. This unique experience allowed her to deepen her connection with the Italian language and culture, forming meaningful relationships with peers and locals alike.
Reflecting on her time abroad, Grace shared, “this opportunity reminded me why I want to continue to inspire my students to engage with language learning as it truly opens so many wonderful opportunities and life learning.”
Grace’s time in Italy has reignited her passion for language education and provided her with valuable insights and resources that will enrich her teaching. She’s already planning to integrate new, culturally relevant topics into her curriculum, particularly focusing on the Calabrian region.
She intends to share her learnings with fellow educators through networks like the South Australian Association of Teachers of Italian (SAATI).
Learning Impact:
Grace’s recent professional development trip to Italy has led to exciting new developments in her classroom. Immersed in the Italian language and culture, Grace has returned with fresh insights that will enhance her teaching and inspire her students. Her deepened understanding of Italian traditions is set to bring vibrant new elements into her curriculum, including a unit on Italian cultural practices.
Beyond her classroom, Grace’s experience highlights Nazareth’s commitment to fostering a globally-minded education. By integrating her new knowledge, Grace is helping our students appreciate cultural diversity and develop a broader worldview. This experience not only reflects Grace’s personal growth but also contributes to our commitment to preparing students to thrive in a connected world.
Grace’s journey exemplifies the tangible benefits of investing in professional development, demonstrating how such opportunities enrich our educational environment and inspire students and staff alike.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more stories of professional growth within our community.