Good evening, honoured guests, fellow graduands, friends and family members. My name is Nicholas Panzram and I am honoured tonight to deliver the 2014 School of Education and Humanities Graduates’ Address.

There is a movie I recently watched called Waiting for Superman, a film about the struggles of the American education system. The title of the film is based off the belief of one African American boy, that sometime in the future Superman would come and save him and his friends from the life of poverty and hopelessness they were living. The movie reveals his journey of discovery – eventually realising that superman was never coming, he was simply waiting for a person who did not exist. As graduate teachers we receive tonight far more than a piece of paper with our name on it; and our QLD College of Teacher’s Registration places in our hands far more than a number. Tonight as we don our capes we take up our place in the ranks of thousands of other teachers and educators as everyday super heroes.

Teachers use many tools, some tangible and others only felt through heart, some of them heavy and some light, but all of them used so that children across the world no longer have to wait for their superhero.

As teacher’s we wear capes:

Of all colours and shapes. Capes are for protection, both our own and others, they shield our students from harsh and overbearing ideas, from negativity, hate and despair. They shield us from late nights, too much coffee, pressures of society, words spoken too hastily and, those days when all seems too much, they offer a comforting place to curl up in. Capes represent our uniqueness as teachers and people. Not one of us will have the same cape, some will be red, other green some a spectacular array of colour and texture.

We wear hats of humility:

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he writes, ‘be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love’. Paul’s letter places humility as a necessity in life, vital in order survive the turmoil of everyday life. As teachers life can become focussed on ‘me and my classroom’, wearing a hat of humility allows us to step back with strength and accept that we don’t exist in a vacuum. In those moments of stress, anger or worry, place your hat of humility upon your head and humble yourself, knowing that help may only be a phone call or conversation away.

  We slip into shoes of daring:

Teaching is by no means a simple task and every lesson involves some degree of risk, ‘ will Jo understand this’ have I scaffolded that task enough? And many more questions race through your mind, as you stand before those 25 smiling faces. In those moments may your shoes of daring dance into play. Job (23.10) writes that ‘God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.’ Those testing moments of insecurity, of stepping into the unknown are known and carried by a loving God who proudly walks with you as your shoes of daring carry you far beyond your dreams.

Our Hearts beat a rhythm of hope:

Paul in his letter to the Romans commands them to, ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ All three require a heart of that beats a rhythm of hope, a hope and trust that whilst not everything goes perfectly, that the moments our students spend with us full of love, learning and hope. Teaching requires patience not only towards others but ourselves, waiting and understanding that at 3am its probably time to let the marking or planning go and simply wait till tomorrow. May your heart beat a rhythm of quiet patience and your actions and words deliver a tangible element of a faith in yourself, your students and a loving God.

My your eyes be those of Truth:

Teaching is in its simplest form the shaping and giving of knowledge and skills. Having eyes that recognise truth and honesty in what we teach, what we say and do, is vital in journeying with students towards a future of a better world. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, writes, ‘Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,’ My your measure of truth always remain what is ultimately in line with Christ’s teachings and an honest heart. A world full of hate, anger and pain, requires teachers with eyes of truth to discern and explain and provide a path for students to grow and learn as strong, wise and love filled people.

The journey to acquire these super powers has been by no measure an easy one and the learning doesn’t stop here, but will continue in each and every moment of your day. The friendships fostered, the laughs, the tears, the nerves and many more emotions all seem worth while when you realise you are now the superhero. The point I want to make is that our experiences up to now and into the future shape who our superhero selves are. Is your cape fiery and passionate or your hat broad brimmed and well used? Your superhero self is no mistake or fluke but a carefully planned person, crafted by hand to hold students firmly in your arms and carry them with whatever tools you have into the future. To those many hands thankyou does simply not seem enough! Teaching is not static nor is it ever stationary, it stretches and breathes and does so differently for every teacher, every day. And some days your cape may get a little torn and that hat a little dusty, but know in your heart of hearts that to a child somewhere you will remain their superhero. Thankyou, God Bless and goodnight.