Jakob’s career of support and self-discovery

•   Former Bridport local Jakob Lovegrove and his sister Zoe.

By Daisy Baker ,
February 16, 2022

Jakob Lovegrove was born and raised in Bridport and left the North-East in the summer of 2016 to pursue a career in special education.

Moving to Geelong to undertake a Bachelor of Primary Education, specialising in special education at Deakin University also presented an opportunity for a new challenge.

He is currently employed at a special school where he teaches literacy intervention, working with small groups of kids who have been identified as needing
additional support.

Jakob said growing up alongside his sister Zoe, who has Down Syndrome, inspired him to pursue this career. 

“All of the valuable lessons she has taught me over the journey, and the role I have in her life, naturally led me to my chosen profession,”
he said.

“Zoe is the cornerstone of what makes me passionate about my job. 

“Underlying all of the rewarding experiences I have, is the everlasting memories I have of her growth, which pushes me to help others like her.”

Many of the students Jakob works with come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

“So it can be really challenging putting some of their heartbreaking stories aside, and giving them the consistency that’s unknown to them,” he said.

“In contrast to this, it’s incredibly rewarding when these same kids defy all odds against them, and unconditionally find happiness in the simple things.”

For anyone else considering a career in special education, Jakob said you need to be prepared to learn more about yourself. 

“These kids have a funny way of teaching the game of life!”

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Jakob said he is content with where he is and he’s happy taking things day by day and letting the rest shape itself.

While the temptation of moving home to be family and friends will always be there, Jakob said for the meantime he will stick to doing what he loves in Geelong and see where that takes him.