Five minutes with Mr Amer Salman
Mr Amer Salman didn't always know he wanted to be a teacher. In fact, he still occasionally wonders what he’ll be when he "grows up." It wasn’t until a friend at university suggested he try teaching, that his path started to take shape. Today, Mr Salman shares what he enjoys most about his role, his favourite Spanish phrase and life before Radford.
How long have you been a part of the Radford community and what roles or responsibilities have you held during your time here?
I joined Radford in 2020, which meant that my introduction to the community was virtual for a significant part of my first year. I am a Studies of Society and Environment (SoSE) and Spanish Teacher, and I have taught geography, global studies and international commerce since I started working here five years ago. I also co-manage the Bernstein Symphonic Wind Orchestra and had the chance to work as the Acting Head of Languages in late 2023.
What brought you to Radford?
My previous (and first) teaching job was at Canberra Girls Grammar School. After five years there, I knew I wanted to teach at a co-educational school. I was fortunate to know Michelle Guerrero, who was working at Radford at the time, and she offered me the chance to come over.
Did you always envisage being a teacher?
No, in fact, when I finished school, I didn’t know what kind of career I wanted to pursue. I went to university and studied subjects that interested me, like sociology, anthropology and Spanish. The thought of becoming a teacher didn’t cross my mind until my second year of university when one of my classmates suggested that I might enjoy it, and it has been a great journey so far. Sometimes, I still wonder what I want to be when I grow up!
You are a teacher and a mentor. What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Having been at Radford for a few years now, the most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing young students grow into wonderful, respectful adults. I had the honour of being a mentor to students in the graduating Class of 2024 since they were in Year 8. Seeing them walk across the stage at graduation was a delight.
How did you come to be a Spanish teacher, and have you always spoken Spanish?
My Spanish journey started in the same way as it does for many of my students—in a Year 7 Spanish class. Growing up in Malaysia, my school was fortunate to offer Spanish as a third language. Despite moving to the Czech Republic and later to Australia, I was able to continue learning Spanish until I finished Year 12 in Canberra. I found it challenging at times and was close to giving up on my Spanish studies after school, but I came to my senses and returned to the classroom in my second year of university.
What’s your favourite Spanish word or phrase to teach students?
If you are embarrassed, do not say “estoy embarazada”. While it sounds like the right thing to say, it actually means, “I’m pregnant.”
Have you spent much time in Spanish-speaking countries?
Not as much as I’d like to, having only visited Spain and never the Americas. So far, my favourite place in Spain is Seville, in the south. It’s gorgeous, even in the Spanish winter, and the smell of the orange trees lining the streets of the old centre is divine. I even managed to catch a football match there at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
Your performance of Jesucristo Viva at the Whole College Commencement Assembly was remarkable! Is singing a long-time passion for you, and how does music play a role in your life?
Thank you! I’ve always enjoyed music and played and sung a lot in the past. The peak of my music career was winning a Battle of the Bands competition at university, playing bass and rapping a Macklemore song. I’m afraid my singing now only extends to car trips and karaoke.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of Radford?
I’ve played football for a long time, but I am looking to try and learn a new sport this year, with tennis in my sights. I really enjoy live sports, and you might find me in the stands at Canberra United and Brumbies games.
People would be surprised to know that…
I once was a DJ on a weekly radio program on Canberra’s 2XX radio station.