Lauren Korotkov – HSIE Teacher, Year 9 Tutor, Year 7 Co-ordinator

Each month, we find out more about a nominated staff member. 

SPOTLIGHT ON … LAUREN KOROTKOV

What is your role at Emanuel School?

I teach the Humanities within the HSIE Department. I love the diversity of these subjects. It’s a joy to go from creating cuneiform’s with my Year 7 History class to discussing the complexities of the criminal justice system with my Year 12 Legal Studies students. 

How long have you been at Emanuel School?

Four years. 

What do you enjoy about working here?

I love the curiosity of Emanuel students, their social-justice focus and genuine love of learning. Classes often segue into thought-provoking debates and it’s so inspiring to see the passion and knowledge of our globally-minded students. 

I also have the best colleagues! I feel privileged to work in such a collaborative and dynamic faculty. The HSIE staffroom is great fun and I’m grateful to work with such incredible teachers, who support one another in cultivating rich learning experiences for our students. 

What have you learnt about yourself at Emanuel?

That flexibility and creativity is key. You can plan your lesson down to the last minute, but often the best activities will be sparked spur of the moment. For example, my wonderful Year 11 Legal Studies class produced stunning legal rebuttals to the infamous Bunning’s customer who refused to wear a mask – an activity concocted mere minutes prior to the lesson as I read the news article.

What is your favourite memory?

There would be too many to choose from – but it would definitely be from one of the awesome camps or outreach programs.

Year 8 Camp was a real highlight with my amazing Rabin tutor group as they displayed such growth and resilience. Our disastrous canoe trip has been the source of much laughter. 

What do you do to unwind/ what do you enjoy doing outside school hours?

I adopted a kitten right at the start of the online learning period and have admittedly become quite obsessed! 

Otherwise, I do love running. Athletics was a passion of mine at school and in the last few years I’ve tried to get into distance running. I ran the SMH half-marathon last year and it was very cool to see some familiar Emanuel faces along the way. Mr Rabenda was definitely too speedy, but Mr Francis and I had a lovely albeit, slightly breathless chat around the 15km point. 

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

Alas, none!

What do you wish you could tell your 12 year old self?

Keep on asking questions. Asking “why” is one of the most important things we can do. 

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. But, do ensure you learn from them.

Lauren’s beautiful kitten