Trevor Howard is a dedicated educator and farmer who has transformed his passion for teaching into a rewarding life in rural NSW. Originally from Osborne, near Lockhart in southern NSW, Trevor’s college years were marked by athletic achievements and a deep commitment to community, serving on the House Committee and representing his college in various sports. After completing his teaching qualifications, he returned to regional education, driven by a desire to connect with students and make a difference in their lives. After a fulfilling career as a Deputy Principal at Riverina Anglican College, he embraced a new chapter in 2021 as a self-employed farmer in Kyeamba. Trevor’s transition from education to agriculture reflects his dedication to family and community, emphasizing the importance of quality education in regional Australia. With a rich history of mentoring students and fostering connections, Trevor continues to inspire those around him, balancing his love for teaching with the rewards of rural life.
Please tell us a bit about yourself—where are you originally from, and how did you become a resident at St Andrew’s College?
I was originally from a small locality called Osborne, near the township of Lockhart in southern NSW. It was by chance that I applied to St Andrews in the first place. We had done our university applications at school, and one evening during study, a friend was filling in some forms. I asked what he was doing, and he said he was applying for College at university. He explained that College is somewhere to stay at university. I applied to several colleges, had a couple of interviews, received a few offers, and, because I wasn’t Catholic, chose Andrew’s. What a great choice it was. Ironically, my friend didn’t get a university offer.
What parts of College life were you involved in? Do you have a favourite memory you would like to share?
I mainly played sports, representing the College in cricket, athletics, rugby, and tennis. I was a member of the House Committee for the four years of College, serving as a Year Representative, Honorary Assistant Treasurer, and Honorary Treasurer.
Some of the best memories were the triumphs in the Rawson Cup events and the celebratory dinners that followed. I was lucky enough to be involved in a few. Winning the Cricket Cup in 1987 was great. The grandstand was full of supporters, cheering and carrying on. Not very often do you get a crowd chanting your name.
Playing cards in the reading room and drinking too much port, Seaview Silk was the drop of choice. If we were being outlandish, it was a bottle of 389.
Did your time at St Andrew’s influence or affect your life after College?
When I finished my teaching qualifications, I saw no long-term future in Sydney and moved back to the country – that decision was influenced by another Drewsman, who talked me into teaching with him for the first five years. Gus Comi (Fr 1984) has a lot to answer for!
Many of the friendships that I made during College I have still maintained over the years.
You were the Honorary Treasurer and the Students Club House Committee member during your fourth year at Drew’s. What did you enjoy most about your position? What advice would you give to a current Androvian considering to apply?
It was an opportunity to give back and do my bit for College. Give it a go. If your peers think you are capable and vote for you, it is the least you can do for the community.
After completing your studies in Education in 1988, you worked for several years and then returned to study in 1993 to complete a Graduate Diploma in Information Systems. What motivated you to return to study? How did your further study complement your teaching degree?
I needed to do further study to increase my skills, help with employment opportunities, and, hopefully, work in an area that would continue to grow. The extra study gave me the opportunity to teach in other areas.
Were there particular academic, professional, or personal experiences that motivated you to pursue a career in Education?
I always enjoyed school and thought it was a good profession and a mobile vocation. It looked like good hours and good holidays, and I decided to do it for only five years initially.
Thirty-three years later, how wrong I was.
Although teaching has changed quite a bit over the years, I enjoyed my time immensely. Working with teenagers can be very challenging but also very rewarding. I learnt this over time. It is very easy to get caught up in the curriculum and not focus on the person and watch them develop over time. Some of my most rewarding moments were with students with personal, social or academic challenges.
You grew up and attended school in a regional area of Australia; what did you enjoy the most about returning to teach in these areas? Can you explain the value of receiving and providing access to quality education in regional areas of Australia?
The students. You had the opportunity to get to know the students and relate to their backgrounds and stories. Just because they are educated at a regional high school does not mean they should miss out. This includes teaching in the classroom, study day opportunities, and the realisation that they are part of a much bigger picture and what it takes to perform to their best.
I want to think that I could show the students that there are many options out there. It is a big, wide world for them to explore; you must give it a go.
I was also fortunate to work across different sectors with fantastic people who made the journey more special. Friendships that have endured the test of time.
In the last few years, you have retired from teaching and continued farming on your property in Kyeamba. What have you enjoyed most about the change? What goals are you hoping to reach this year on your property?
Working for myself, working with my family, knowing that my efforts benefit our family. Teaching can be quite regimented with academic years, terms, timetables, and bells. The flexibility and freedom have been great, giving me the ability to move things around to suit my program and family.
I used to work with 100 staff and 900 students; now, I work with the cows. They probably cause me just as many headaches, but I rarely argue back.
We would like to consolidate our situation, given that our family has grown considerably over the last few years.
What does a typical day look like for you as someone working and living on your property?
You have to be self-motivated and organised. The season will dictate our work program, depending on what is happening. Currently, we are calving, so checking the cows, helping with deliveries if required, making sure they have the necessary supplements, and completing other maintenance jobs as needed.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
I enjoy my family, whether that be visiting and helping my parents or enjoying time with my adult children and, last year, becoming a grandparent. I like to play golf, water-ski, and watch sports when I get a chance. I hope to do some more travel in the next few years.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to now that you would recommend to others?
I don’t read enough, which is one of my great failings. Ted Lasso’s series has been very enjoyable and uplifting, and it is an interesting study of personal development. Colin from Accounts has been good value and, once again, pretty relatable. I also enjoyed the Afterlife series with Ricky Gervais.
Is there any advice you would give to young Androvians looking to pursue a career in Education, especially those wanting to teach in regional & rural areas of Australia?
The teaching profession has changed over the years. There are many options, from the Public, Catholic, or Independent schools. It can be very rewarding and is ultimately a people industry, so it helps if you like people, particularly the age group you are teaching.
Regional and rural areas are always looking for good teachers. Don’t be daunted by living regionally; the cost of living is better, housing is more affordable, and there are many things to do in the community. I know many people who have left metropolitan areas to enjoy a rural lifestyle and have never regretted it.