2023 World Teachers' Day: our inspirational winners

Some teachers gave their students the confidence to shed embarrassment and dance, while other students were encouraged to become “superstars” of the stage. Other teachers created spooky classrooms, while some reimagined life in the trenches in World War I.

These were just some of the fascinating moments and initiatives that came to light as we examined the entries for the QSuper team’s 2023 World Teachers’ Day competition.

World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity each year to recognise teachers and the significant contributions they make. Through their dedication, resilience and innovation, Queensland teachers help build brighter futures for our next generation. They inspire and are inspired.

World Teachers’ Day is held internationally on 5 October, however Queensland celebrates the event on 27 October during State Education Week.

As part of the 2023 celebrations, we invited eligible teachers and educators from across Queensland to enter our World Teachers’ Day competition by telling us about an inspirational moment they had seen or experienced.

Great stories, magical moments

So many entries from colleagues who nominated a teacher spoke of incredible dedication with the words “going above and beyond’’ often repeated.

But there were heart-warming and inspiring stories as well.

Like Beth Wheeldon at Pittsworth State School on the Darling Downs. She was nominated by Kylie Gersekowski who spoke of how Mrs Wheeldon encouraged students to participate in original school musicals and become “superstars” performing in front of large audiences that brought so much joy to not only them but the local community.

Similarly, another nominee Sarah Belton, from Yarrabah State School in Far North Queensland, gave her class of Year 8 students the confidence to put aside embarrassment to learn and perform a dance in front of the whole physical education class.

Other teachers lauded for their amazing contributions included Phil Whatt from the Gympie Special School, who works with students with disabilities.

“His unwavering commitment has not only empowered the school staff’s understanding and skills, but it also made a profound difference in the lives of countless students, setting a commendable example for teachers everywhere,” said colleague Dominic Paino.

Masters of imagination

The inventiveness and creativity of teachers also came to light in the entries.

Sam Crawford, from Pimlico State High School in North Queensland, was called out as an inspirational teacher who recently created an interactive classroom that let her students feel, see and understand what it was like to be in the trenches in WWI.

Similarly Lauren Marks, from Ripley Valley State Secondary College at Ipswich, put her imagination to work for her Year 7 students on a rainy afternoon by closing the blinds, switching on fairy lights and projecting a fireplace on a television as the class practiced creative writing skills in what had become a “spooky” atmosphere.

For our competition, eight prize packs worth $1,100 were up for grabs ─ one for each region including Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Central Queensland, North Coast, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan South, Darling Downs South West and South East.

The nominated winning teacher receives a $100 Coles Myer gift card, while $1,000 Officeworks gift cards will be presented to their school to be used to benefit student learning.

Supporting Queensland’s educators

The QSuper team is proud to support the financial wellbeing of Queensland’s teachers, just as teachers support the educational needs of students across the state. The World Teachers’ Day competition is just one of the ways we give back to those who contribute so positively to our community.