A love of teaching has passed through three generations of one South Australian family, from Denyse Barton to her daughter Rena Kwong and granddaughter Jade DeBarro.

This World Teachers’ Day, Rena and Jade are celebrating their shared passion for public education and the influence of the woman who inspired them both.

Denyse began her teaching career in metropolitan Adelaide before taking up a position at Coober Pedy Area School. Rena, who recently celebrated 40 years in public education, now teaches at Victor Harbor Primary School. Jade followed in their footsteps and is in her third year of teaching at Flinders View Primary School in Port Augusta.

Growing up in a family of teachers gave Rena an insight into the profession long before she stepped into a classroom herself.

“Having three generations of teachers has been exceptionally special. It has been similar to having a family trade handed down from one generation to the next!”

Rena says her mother inspired her with her advice and experience.

“My Mum was an inspirational woman and what wasn’t directly taught to us was definitely caught!”

Now as Jade begins her own teaching journey, Rena has discovered that learning from one another goes both ways.

All three women studied early childhood education at UniSA’s Magill campus and have taught in the Far North of South Australia. Their experiences have given them an appreciation for diverse communities and a shared belief in creating welcoming, engaging classrooms where children can learn through play.

For Rena, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing children grow in confidence, master new skills and build positive relationships. It’s a philosophy she hopes has carried through to Jade.

“I’ve always believed that teaching gives us the opportunity to give each student one year of a happy childhood! What a gift!”

Denyse sadly passed away in 2026, but her influence continues through Rena and Jade, who carry her values into their own classrooms.