Teacher Feature: Celebrating Teachers in Independent Schools
We are proud to share that Dr. Monica Cunneen, Religious Education teacher at Loreto Normanhurst, has been featured in AISNSW’s Teacher Feature series. Monica’s unique journey from microbial genetics to teaching Religious Education reflects her passion for blending scientific inquiry with spiritual exploration. Since joining Loreto Normanhurst in 2017, Monica has made a lasting impact on her students, fostering a student-centred approach that encourages critical thinking and personal reflection. Her dedication to re-energising the Religious Education program has seen innovative initiatives that connect faith to everyday life, demonstrating her commitment to inspiring her students and shaping the ethical and spiritual foundations of their education.
Dr Monica Cunneen – Religious Education Teacher, Loreto Normanhurst
“What do you mean you’re a scientist?! You teach RE!!”
Dr. Monica Cunneen loves challenging preconceptions of teaching Religious Education, reflecting her unique journey from a scientist specialising in microbial genetics to an educator in religious studies. Monica's transition was sparked by her intrigue in theology, leading her to a career that marries scientific rationality with spiritual inquiry. She has worked at Loreto Normanhurst since 2017 and relishes the opportunity to help her students think more deeply about their world. By incorporating real-life examples and innovative activities, such as creating a school-based pilgrimage or film analysis projects in Christian ethics, she ensures learning is both tangible and transformative.
Monica’s approach in the classroom is profoundly student-centred, focusing on experiential learning that resonates with her students on a personal level. In her teaching, Monica has aimed to re-energise the Religious Education and Studies of Religion programs at her school, introducing contemporary issues that connect faith with everyday life, for example, using the inspiring story of Leila Mahammad and her family to communicate ideas around peace. Her initiatives not only enrich the curriculum but also foster an environment where students feel safe to explore and discuss challenging ideas, with her Head of Department, Stephanie Ackaou, referring to her as “creative and compassionate.”
Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Dr. Cunneen is a Digital Learning Designer and is an active participant in continuous professional development, always eager to expand her knowledge and share it with colleagues. Her collaborative spirit and compassionate nature make her a cornerstone of the staff, where she is both a mentor and a friend. Monica's dedication to her students and peers is a testament to her passion for education and her belief in its power to positively influence lives. Her work not only enhances the academic experience but also moulds the ethical and spiritual sensibilities of her students, challenging them to be, as the Loreto foundress Mary Ward once said, “Seekers of truth and doers of justice.”