Hundreds of future teachers celebrated their graduation from the University of Newcastle on Thursday.
Among them was long-term teacher Bronwyn Jones, who graduated with a Master of Leadership and Management in Education.
Watching on in admiration was her four-year-old daughter Avery, who Ms Jones looked after while completing her studies.
"She has already told me that she wants to be a science teacher and I think it's important for her to see the women in her life moving forward and succeeding in their chosen fields and show her that she can do what ever she wants to do," she said.
Ms Jones has been working as a teacher for 10 years, but she said the last two years have been the most difficult.
"COVID was really challenging but it has really shown the way that teachers are so adaptable in what they do and it has shown the value of the profession and I think that we need a little bit more of a leg up."
The graduate said she struggled to balance study, work, and caring for her daughter but she hopes to do it again soon.
"It was quite difficult because my husband was studying his masters at the same time but it was largely online which meant I could study and look after her but there were a lot of late nights and weekend work.
"I think I might be addicted to studying but I think that is a good thing as a teacher to want to do more learning. I am happy to be finished but I think there is still a lot more in me."
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky praised the graduates on the final day of graduation ceremonies this week.
"We have seen over 2000 students graduate over the past four days and it has been heart-warming to see so many students able to celebrate their hard work with their loved ones," he said.
"The past two years have been challenging and I commend them all on their tenacity and dedication to succeed despite the adversity we have all faced.
"On Thursday we saw our education students graduate and with the value of teaching more appreciated than ever before, we are delighted to see them enter the workforce where they will make a meaningful difference to the next generation of students."
Tahlia Dent graduated with a Distinction in a Bachelor of Secondary Education.
The high school teacher has been teaching English and History for eight months.
"When you love your content area and you get to share that with teenagers it is just a lot of fun," she said.
The graduate was forced to face the challenges of COVID-19 head-on, before she had completed her degree.
"I did my last placement during lockdown so we were doing Zoom classes.
"I was thrown into the deep end because I started prac face-to-face and then at the end of week four the government decided to enforce a snap lockdown.
"We were told that the next week we had to teach online so it was a big learning curve.
"Suddenly I was teaching year 11 students over Zoom and it was very stressful for them and us.
"Now I am just ready to get stuck into it."
