Name: Sandra DONLAN

Year joined HEIA (SA) Executive: 2007

Current School/Employment: University of South Australia - Bachelor of Education: Design and Technology Education (Home Economics)

Position: Home Economics student teacher

Years as a Home Economist: Many years to come....

Previous Schools/Workplaces: I gained my first employment in a bridal and evening wear manufacturing company as a trainee cutter before I decided to study pattern making and design. I went on to win a national design competition and a scholarship with the International Wool Secretariat. After visiting a few of the most fashionable cities in the world, I realised that I was not that fashionable and so began my career in the arts. My first contract was with Australian Dance Theatre and continued to work with ADT on contract basis, for over a decade and becoming the 'Wardrove Supervisor'.

I ventured into film and television and worked on the first series of "McLeod's Daughters" as 'head of wardrobe'. Being the first and last on set, I decided that this is not living and undertook a TESOL course. Through a teacher recruiting agency, I found myself in Kuwait and worked firstly as a Tesol/Library Teacher and then replaced the art teacher. I enjoyed the teaching more than the country and I am now gaining qualifications to pursue a teaching career.

What I enjoy about my job:

Other Professional Involvement: Teachers Union; BOAB - Biodynamic and Organic Agriculture Bureau; Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and Healing Arts

Other Interests : Food is a lifetime interest encouraged by a short study of Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine which is a preventative health system / philosophy from India with an emphasis on the diet as a preventative of disease

Personal Belief : I have decided to teach Home Economics in the belief that it is the most worthwhile subject and teaching life skills for independent living is needed. Today we are surrounded by denatured food and unnatural fibres and the new generation loosing awareness of nature with its healthy living properties. I believe our health is being compromised by the ever increasing industrial and commercial system that exists in our society

Future Goals : My goals and intentions are to provide students with a foundation in health that supports informed life choices. Furthermore with constant awareness and analysis, I hope to gain greater understanding growing trends and the community's needs in the future.

My personal goals are to facilitate a change in attitude and dispel misconceptions surrounding Home Economics in regards to gender bias and its importance and place in the curriculum.