Kirra Muni is juggling classroom teaching, studying for a Master’s of Education and being wife and mother to two children under four!
After 13 years at Scotch College, Kirra joined St Stephen’s School at the beginning of 2022, and is currently teaching Digital Technologies and Commercial Design across Years 7 – 10 and Media Production and Analysis in Year 11 and 12.
Before long, Kirra’s passion for excellence in teaching and learning drew her back to study.
“I had previously worked in a pastoral role, but stepped back when I started my own family. I wanted to continue to grow and develop in this space so decided to take the next step in my studies”, said Kirra.
“Right now, I’m half-way through a Masters of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU), specialising in behaviour and wellbeing. The course delves into current trends in educational research, assessment and policy, but also allows me to explore contemporary practice around positive education and the impact of student wellbeing in the classroom”.
Even though there are still a few years to go in completing her Master’s, Kirra’s students are already experiencing the benefits of her studies. 
“It has increasingly become the role of the teacher to help facilitate the wellbeing of students under their care and yet so much of that is not covered when we do our initial degrees. Student and teacher wellbeing is also key to enhancing student academic outcomes so should be at the forefront of our planning.
I have found the process extremely rewarding and developed a special interest in the application of positive education strategies to enhance student and teacher outcomes. It has been transformational and changed my daily lesson delivery to incorporate strategies which develop a stronger classroom climate. I also have new-found empathy for our students, revisiting academic writing and referencing!”
Balancing home life, teaching and study is still tricky, though. Fortunately, Kirra has support from ECU, St Stephen’s School and a wonderful family support network. “I have a two-year-old and a four-year-old and I try to not to study or work too much when we are at home together so there are a lot of late nights (and reality TV) to get everything done, not only for my teaching but for my study. It can be really busy when an assignment is due, but I’ve got a very supportive husband and extended family which I am grateful for. I have also been really grateful to St Stephen’s School and my Heads of Learning Area who supported my part-time loading, which has obviously helped me achieve a bit more balance”.