You’re doing more than teaching.

You’re building the foundations that last a lifetime.

And I’m here to make that feel a little less overwhelming, and a lot more possible, whether you call your class Kindergarten, Prep, or Foundation.

If you teach Kindergarten, Prep, Foundation, or Grade 1, you already know: these are the big years.

This is when children learn to read, write, and make sense of the world around them. The pressure is real, the curriculum is full, and the stakes feel high — because they are.

But it can also be the most joyful, creative, meaningful work you’ll ever do in a classroom. And you deserve support that actually matches the reality of your day.

That’s why Big World Teaching exists.
Hi, I’m Tess!

and I’m so glad you found your way here.

I’m an Australian primary school teacher, a mum, a coffee drinker, and someone who gets genuinely excited about a well-structured phonics lesson. I’m currently living and teaching at an international school in Vietnam — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The name Big World Teaching means a lot to me.

We’re a family that has chosen to explore the world, and teaching has taken us there! Living and working overseas has shown me that great teaching looks different in every classroom, every country, and every culture. But the things that matter most? They’re universal. Students who feel safe. Students who feel capable. Students who love to learn.

That’s what I’m here to help you build, wherever in the world your classroom happens to be.

I hold a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Graduate Diploma in Education specialising in Language & Literacy with a focus on the Science of Reading, and I’m currently completing a Master of Education exploring the Science of Learning.

But honestly?

The credential that matters most to me is this:
everything I share has been tested in a real classroom, with real kids, on a real Tuesday morning.

I teach in an inquiry-based setting (IB/PYP), and I deeply believe that explicit teaching of foundational skills and inquiry learning aren’t opposites; they’re partners. You don’t have to choose between building strong readers and nurturing curious thinkers. You can do both – whether you’re in a Kindergarten classroom in Florida, a Prep room in Melbourne, or a Foundation year anywhere in the world.

Here’s what Big World Teaching is all about — for Kindergarten, Prep, Foundation, and Grade 1 teachers everywhere:

  • Phonics & Reading – structured, explicit approaches that give every child the best possible start
  • Writing – practical strategies to grow confident, capable young writers 
  • Maths – hands-on, meaningful maths that makes sense for early learners 
  • Inquiry Learning – ways to connect curriculum to curiosity without losing rigour 
  • Teacher Tips & Classroom Organisation – real systems for real classrooms 
  • Free Resources – because you should be able to try before you commit

Everything here is practical, low-prep, and grounded in research. No fluff. No overwhelm. Just ideas that work.

Whether you’re a brand new teacher finding your feet, or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, and whether you call your class Kindergarten, Prep, or Foundation, you belong here. Big World Teaching is for every K–1 teacher who cares deeply about their students and wants to keep growing.
Life is short. The world is big. And your classroom matters more than you know.

I’m so happy you’re here.
Now let’s make it the best it’s ever been.

tess
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