Siblings making a difference: Phoebe and Angus Spice’s story

For many new teachers, stepping into a classroom is a defining moment. For Phoebe Spice (Cohort 2021), that moment happened in one of the most remote corners of Australia – Elcho Island, a small community off the coast of Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory.

She was overjoyed to be there. A year after being rejected from Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program for not having enough experience, she had successfully secured a place after working as an aide at an Aboriginal primary school.

Five years later, she’s still teaching on the island, and what’s more, she has inspired her older brother Angus to follow in her footsteps.

Staying longer, learning deeper

Phoebe’s time on Elcho Island is undeniably a success story.

"The two-year TFA placement made a difference,” she recalls. “Many people come for one year, and if you have that idea that you might leave, it's less set in your brain to situate yourself in this place."

"Meeting people who had stayed in the region for a long time helped me feel like I could stay, too."

And staying has had its benefits. While admitting to being overwhelmed and in a state of culture shock when she first arrived, Phoebe’s time on the island has meant she has formed deep, cross-cultural connections with the local community.

“Often, someone will adopt you into the Yolŋu kinship system, which gives you a family and a way to relate to everyone on the island,” she explains.

“These people then so generously share things with you. You can spend time out on the island with your adopted family hunting, fishing– you know, passing the time together while kids go catch crabs.”

“It’s an incredible place to work and live.”

Most of Phoebe’s students speak Yolŋu Matha as their first language, which creates a unique and sometimes challenging learning environment, but it is also what makes it rewarding for her.

"All of my students speak Yolŋu Matha fluently, and I have learned a little bit – enough to help in the classroom. That linguistic diversity has been something I’ve really enjoyed, and it’s another reason I wanted to stay."

"The brain is just so capable and such a sponge. Watching [my students] go from not recognising any of the alphabet sounds to reading little books is just… invigorating."

Breaking stereotypes, leaning into paradox

Teaching in a remote community comes with challenges, but Phoebe is quick to dismantle misconceptions.

"People always ask, 'Is it hard? Is it dangerous?' You’re constantly battling these really strong, negative stereotypes of Aboriginal communities that persist in southern Australia – based off almost nothing. People have no idea."

“Yolŋu are living in poverty because of colonisation. Their lives are difficult because of what has happened historically and the ongoing economic and political oppression that they face."

This has led her to embrace the paradox of loving something while also struggling with it.

"There are multiple truths. Things are good and bad at the same time. It’s not wholly one thing."

And whenever she’s felt overwhelmed, she has a source of support: her older brother Angus.

“He was someone in my two years of the program … that I would call if I was struggling with some of the bigger picture questions.”

Angus’ own commitment to justice has always inspired Phoebe and helped her to reframe her role as an educator working within an inequitable system.

“He’s had a huge political influence on me.”

“In those conversations we've had across the years, it has helped me to [teach] without burning out.”

Following in his sister’s footsteps

While Angus was inspiring Phoebe, Phoebe was inspiring Angus.

“I moved out to Elcho Island while [Phoebe] was doing her placement and saw how much she was enjoying it and how much of an impact she was having there,” Angus recalls.

“I thought I would like to carry that on.”

Angus successfully applied to the Leadership Development Program and started teaching as part of Cohort 2025.

Already living on the island, he acknowledges how lucky he was to teach in a community he’s already been privileged to get to know.

“I [was] excited about getting into the classroom because I’ve already got existing relationships with some of the students in the community.”

If his sister’s impact is anything to go by, his passion and commitment to making a difference bodes well for his time teaching on Elcho Island.

“Looking at my life and all the opportunities I have been afforded, if I can be a teacher who creates that for my students, I’d be very happy.”

And what’s next for Phoebe, now she’s not the only Spice on the island?

She’s now staying for an extra six months.

“I wanted to be here to watch him become a teacher,” she says.

Inspired by Phoebe and Angus' story? Apply or register your interest for our Leadership Development Program today: leadership.teachforaustralia.org/the-program