The Springfield Anglican College teacher Lorraine Breingan named Ipswich and Springfield’s best teacher

A devoted, long serving Prep teacher has been recognised as Ipswich and Springfield’s best, as her 24th year as an educator comes to an end.

Walking into Ipswich Prep teacher Lorraine Breingan’s classroom, there is an immediate feeling of warmth, joy and curiosity.

Her students immediately smile up at her, say hello, and beam with pride as they show her what they are working on.

Having worked in education for 24 years, the Springfield Anglican College teacher has impacted students and their families across the region.

So much so that she has been voted Ipswich and Springfield’s best teacher by readers of The Queensland Times.

Ms Breingan began working as a Prep teacher four years ago, after training and working as a high school teacher for 15 years.

“I just fell in love with it,” she said.

“I discovered working with little people was so fun (and) really rewarding actually because you get to see them learn to read and learn to write.

“They come to you without (being able to do) those things. The world opens up to them when they can read.”

A mum of two herself, Ms Breingan said she understands that teaching comes with huge responsibility.

“The trust that the parents put on you, that’s pretty huge,” she said.

“It’s my job to keep them safe and happy, and not just learning. You’re taking care of all their emotional needs as well.

“I take that pretty seriously. It’s a privilege for me to do that.”

Prep, being a pivotal and formative time in all students’ lives, is an opportunity to impart important life lessons, Ms Breingan said.

In her class, students are currently learning about mistakes and how they can be helpful to their development.

They are also learning about how the can “fill each other’s buckets”, be kind, thoughtful and aware of their peers’ needs.

Ms Breingan said her favourite part of being a teacher was the relationships she has formed with the kids in her classes.

“They keep me young,” she said.

“They are so gracious and forgiving. It teaches me to be a better person.”

The beloved teacher has spent most of her working years at The Springfield Anglican College, as well as at Staines Memorial College, Springfield Central State High School, and Northside Christian College.

She grew up at Goodna, attending Westside Christian College herself, and now lives at Augustine Heights with her husband and two children, aged 13 and 15.

An Ipswich woman through and through, Ms Breingan said it was an honour to be recognised by her community for her efforts.

“I’m pretty blown away that I was even nominated. That someone took the time to do that,” she said.

“It’s nice to know that there are people out there who feel that I’ve done a good job.”