To celebrate World Teachers’ Day this year, we ran a competition asking people to nominate themselves or another teacher for an inspirational teaching moment. We received so many inspiring stories from across Queensland.
Thank you to everyone who nominated a teacher to recognise the important role they play in our classrooms and communities. We appreciate the work teachers do to help build brighter futures for our next generation.
Congratulations to the 8 winners of our competition. Each winner will get a $100 gift card for themselves and a $1,000 gift card for their school to put towards student education.1
Congratulations
| Full name | School name | Region | Inspiring teaching moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julie Hunt | Gladstone State High School | Central Queensland | Julie goes above and beyond for all students in the school, not only the students she teaches. She supports students in the classroom by providing a range of engaging and differentiated activities and lessons for her students, she gives up so much her time to support students outside of the classroom and runs a number of extra curricula activities including the school robotics club. She is a year coordinator, an SEP case manager and mentors beginning teachers and staff interested in leadership. She organises school BBQs, fundraising events and is involved in the school and wider community. She is a friendly face and support to staff and students at Gladstone SHS. |
| Mrs Beth Wheeldon | Pittsworth State School | Darling Downs South West | Mrs Wheeldon offers the opportunity for students to participate in original musicals at PSS. Watching the students become 'superstars' and perform their professional show in front of large audiences brings so much joy to not only them but our community. The hours of practice, organising and hard work teaches valuable life lessons and doesn't happen without an amazing leader, Mrs Wheeldon thankyou for the opportunities for the students in our rural town that you and your team provide. |
| Sarah Belton | Yarrabah State School | Far North Queensland | Sarah has been able to get her whole class of reluctant year 8 Indigenous students to put aside their shame and learn a dance which they performed in front of the whole class in PE. Sarah’s enthusiasm and energy levels as well as her resilience are highly motivational and admirable. |
| Phil Whatt | Gympie Special School | North Coast | Phil Whatt's remarkable contributions to students with disabilities through his dedicated work in Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) have been truly exceptional. He has tirelessly implemented Behaviour Management Adjustment Plans, ensuring that students not only have access to the curriculum but also thrive in their learning environments. His unwavering commitment has not only empowered staffs understanding and skills, but it has also made a profound difference in the lives of countless students, setting a commendable example for teachers everywhere. |
| Samantha Crawford | Pimlico State High School | North Queensland | Sam is the epitome of an inspirational teacher. She often goes above and beyond for her students and will do everything in her power to make sure they understand and achieve. Recently she created an interactive classroom that let her students feel, see and understand what it was like to be in the trenches through WWI. |
| Allison Renton | Norris Road State School | Metropolitan North | Always going the extra mile to make learning fun for her little prep students. Whether it be dressing up whilst teaching her class, or making special arts and crafts for the kids. Allison always makes the prep kids love each and every day of learning. |
| Lauren Marks | Ripley Valley State Secondary College | Metropolitan South | On a rainy afternoon, Ms Marks closed the blinds, switched on the fairy lights, pulled out her battery-operated candles, and projected a fireplace on the TV. Her year 7 students practiced their creative writing skills and were excited to develop a spooky atmosphere in their writing. |
| Mac Uyar | Coombabah State School | South East | Changing the way we teach spelling into a Duck, Duck Goose game. Each letter of a word is a tap on the head, last letter/tap is when the chase begins. Movement and excitement while learning to spell! Everyone wants a turn and puts effort into their spelling. So great to see the enthusiasm for spelling! |
1. See the World Teacher’s Day 2023 competition Terms and Conditions for details.
