[1] She served as a pupil teacher at Goodwood Public School, then in 1896 entered the training college, at that time under Andrew Scott.
She taught briefly at Quorn under A. T. Darke,[2] when her health broke down and she was forced temporarily to abandon her career.
She became mistress of method in 1921 and assumed full charge of training country teachers.
In 1923 the whole of the Currie Street school was dedicated to training of country teachers with Phebe as head lecturer.
She also served as warden of women teachers, giving practical advice on deportment, dress, manners and personal relationships, in which she, by example, set high standards.
[6] She was a temperance advocate and an active member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild, an adjunct to Missions to Seamen.
She was a foundation member of the Adelaide Repertory Theatre and a fine singer, a light soprano.