Five minutes with Mr Brett Lamson
From driving diplomats at the Mexican Embassy to teaching in classrooms across Latin America, Mr Brett Lamson has followed a path shaped by curiosity, connection and a love of language. Now a much-loved English and Spanish Teacher and Head of Year at Radford College, Mr Lamson brings a global outlook and genuine passion for education to everything he does. We sat down to learn more about Mr Lamson's journey, what inspires him and a few things you might not expect.
You are fluent in Spanish and teach the language at Radford College. Could you share where and how you acquired your proficiency in Spanish?
When I was 18, I moved to London for a gap year and worked with many Spanish speakers from all over Latin America. A close friend invited me to go on holiday with him to visit his family in Colombia and while I was there, I felt bad that I couldn’t communicate with his mum and many of his friends who treated me like family. It inspired me to study Spanish at university once I returned to Australia with the goal of one day going back and being able to speak Spanish with all the people I couldn’t communicate with during my first visit.
Two years later, I returned to Colombia on a year-long student exchange and was able to catch up and chat in Spanish with many of the people I’d met on my previous trip, which was really special.
As Head of Year, what do you find most rewarding about supporting a year group through the Secondary School?
The best thing about being a Head of Year is seeing the incredible achievements of students and the growth they experience during their time at Radford – not just as learners but as people as well. It’s always great bumping into ex-students who have graduated and hearing about all the amazing things they’re doing and how fondly they reflect on their time at the College.
You have worked at Radford College for over a decade. What attracted you to the College?
After having lived abroad for a few years, I was keen to settle back into life in Canberra and establish myself at a great school. I didn’t know much about Radford when I applied for my first role as a part-time English teacher but from the moment I stepped on campus, I was struck by the friendly, welcoming and warm atmosphere. The students, staff and wider Radford community made me feel like I’d found my place and inspired me to do my best to contribute to the growth and success of the College.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I love the universal nature of being a teacher – it’s a job you can do anywhere. I’ve been lucky enough to teach in Australia, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Having a career that has opened so many doors and taken me to so many places has been a real blessing and has helped shape me into the person I am today.
If you weren’t working in education, what other profession might you have considered?
When I was young, I had my heart set on becoming a lawyer and even spent two years studying law at university. While I do enjoy many aspects of the law, I eventually changed paths and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else other than being a teacher.
People might be surprised to know that…
People might be surprised to know that I used to work as a driver at the Mexican Embassy – and even got to chauffeur the Ambassador once!