From student to role model: Joseph Collinson champions Indigenous representation in teaching

Joseph Collinson, a Kungarakan man, shares his journey of becoming a teacher and his mission to bring more Indigenous representation to the education sector. Through his involvement in the 'Be That Teacher' campaign, Joseph aims to inspire future generations and bridge the gap in Indigenous representation in teaching roles.

“Hopefully I’m inspiring lots of young Indigenous students to go along this profession because it is definitely one of the most rewarding you could get.” - Joseph Collinson.

In a conversation with NITV Radio, Joseph Collinson, explained that there were no male Indigenous teaches in Darwin, on Larrakia Country where he grew up and went to school.

Today, as a primary school teacher himself, and the only Indigenous staff member in his school, he's determined to break that cycle and inspire more First Nations people to embrace the teaching profession as key figure of the "Be That teacher Campaign".

Joseph recognizes the crucial role teachers play beyond academic instruction. "It's not just about teaching the alphabet," Jospeh said.

Teaching is about nurturing students’ growth as individuals – offering guidance and mentorship across all aspects of their lives

Joseph Collinson

"It's about nurturing their growth as individuals – offering guidance and mentorship across all aspects of their lives. My role extends beyond academic achievement to encompass their social and emotional development.”

Joseph's dedication extends beyond individual students. He spearheaded the creation of an Aboriginal-designed shirt for the school's senior students.

Working collaboratively with them, they crafted a design symbolising their educational journey – a saltwater crocodile swimming upstream. The shirt's positive reception led to it becoming the official senior uniform for the next decade, a source of pride for Joseph and his students.