In profile: Nathan Tyler

Nathan Tyler: Head of SoSE

What are your early thoughts of Radford, having been here for just a few weeks so far?

Initially, the sheer size of the College was quite daunting. I found myself on several occasions wandering in circles looking for classrooms. Aside from its physical presence, Radford has a real sense of community and warmth. The staff in SoSE and across the College have been so incredibly supportive and welcoming, as have the students.

In the classroom I get a real sense that academic effort is something that is a celebrated and that learning is highly valued across the community.

What can you tell us about your role and any major projects for the remainder of the year?

My role as Head of SoSE is to work as part of a team to design, develop and implement engaging and rigorous learning programs and units of work within the area of Social Sciences. While challenging, the role is quite exciting as we continue to facilitate the learning journey of our students and help them develop the dispositions of what it is to be a student at Radford. On top of this I haven’t really committed to any major projects for the rest of the year. Focussing on getting to know the students, my colleagues and the processes and procedures of the College is a priority for me in my first semester.

What did you do before joining the Radford community?

Prior to joining Radford I was the Leader of Learning – Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) at St Clare’s College in Griffith, ACT, for four and a half years. I genuinely enjoyed my time at St Clare’s, feeling very much a part of a close-knit community. Before that I was the Head of History at an all-girls public high school in Sydney’s south-west.

I am originally a Canberran, having lived here until I completed Year 12 when I decided to explore the world. I took the long road to teaching, spending my twenties travelling throughout Australia and Europe before commencing an undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, followed by post-grad studies in teaching at ACU.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I genuinely enjoy engaging with students in the classroom. All students are different and they are all at different points in their learning journey. Being a part of that journey with the students in the classroom brings with it a unique energy and so many different sets of challenges and experiences every day. I am constantly learning from my students and am often in awe of their resilience, creativity and positivity – particularly over the past few years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

My time outside of work is spent mostly with my wife and three children – Frankie (10), Archie (7) and Bertie (3). Since relocating to Canberra from Sydney almost five years ago we have found plenty of outdoor places to enjoy and have tried to make it a priority to create family time within a busy work/life balance.

I am an avid supporter of the Sydney Swans and like to hack my way around some of Canberra’s golf courses when I can.