Teacher’s fond farewell after 50 years in industry

Department of Education South West regional executive director Neil Milligan has officially packed away his teaching books after almost 50 years in the education industry. “I first started teaching in 1971, my first teaching role was in the South West and I pretty much moved everywhere across the State over the years except for the Kimberly and the Pilbara,” Mr Milligan said. “My time as the director in the Goldfields took me out into the Western desert. “That was quite a unique role, I was going to places in the middle of WA and meeting wonderful people out there in the various Aboriginal communities, it was very special. “I also spent a year in Canada teaching things I had never taught before which I really enjoyed, I learnt a lot about teaching from that experience.” His role as the regional executive director for the South West was created when the Department of Education decided to transition from districts to regions. “I had been in that role since its inception in 2010,” he said. “It covered a much bigger area and was terrific to see that most of the teachers and principals who took up positions in our schools stayed in those positions and become very committed to them.” Now with free time on his hands, Mr Milligan says he will have no trouble finding things to do. “I have a range of interests, I’m a big reader, I have a large garden to look after and a squadron of grandchildren who will no doubt keep me busy,” he laughed. “I can only say to the young generation, don’t listen to people who say teaching is not an interesting and fulfilling career because it is such a worthwhile job.”