Pauline Kubat has been teaching for 40 years but still wakes up every morning excited to start work.
The Epping Views Primary School principal views teaching as her life, not just a job.
Her passion for education and helping children develop was recognised last month at the state government’s Recognition of Service to Victorian Education awards.
Ms Kubat was one of 16 teachers from Hume and Whittlesea to be recognised for 40 years service, while three teachers from the area were thanked for their service over the past 45 years. Ms Kubat started teaching in 1976 and has worked in suburban and country schools over the past 40 years.
She has been a principal since 1990 and was appointed to Epping Views in 2007.
Ms Kubat said she decided to become a teacher because she wanted to share her love of reading with other people.
She said that while there was more expected of teachers these days, the profession hadn’t changed too much since she started out.
“Kids are still kids and they are still the prime focus of what we do,” she said. “I think kids are our country’s greatest resource.”
Ms Kubat said she still loved her job after 40 years, adding that she couldn’t imagine her life without it.
