Tracey Batchelor of Moranbah East State School voted as 2021’s best teacher

For almost 40 years, Tracey Batchelor has been inspiring young minds with no plans to retire anytime soon. Read more about who you voted as best teacher for 2021.

A passionate educator who has inspired countless children over her almost 40 year career has been voted as the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region’s best teacher.

Moranbah East State School teacher Tracey Batchelor said she was shocked and honoured to hear she was chosen after readers sent in hundreds of nominations.

“I’m just about to complete my 38th year of teaching, and I’m still sane, I think,” Mrs Batchelor said with a laugh.

“I’d love to know who nominated me because I’d love to thank them personally.

“Ever since (I was in) year one, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, it’s the one passion I’ve had all along.

“I suppose ultimately I’m a person who just likes to help and teaching gives me that drive to see my kids grow and become who they are.”

Mrs Batchelor said her daughter remarked she had to share her mother with hundreds of students over the years.

“With some kids, you’ve gone to the lowest of lows with them and the highest of highs, it comes back to that constant relationship.”

And while the students were only in her care for a short time, some of the bonds forged lasted for decades.

‘I’ve never come out and said, ‘I’m the best teacher’. That’s just not me, I’m just a person who does her job and hopefully does it well enough to improve these kids lives’: Moranbah East State School year six teacher Tracey Batchelor who was voted as the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region's best teacher for 2021. Pictured with students Zuri, Hudson and Nate. Picture: Contributed

Mrs Batchelor said a former pupil sent her a wedding invitation while another wrote a letter “out of the blue” thanking her for something she said 10 years prior.

“Apparently something I said to her in year six helped her when she lost her sister,” she said.

“Kids will just amaze you.

“To teach is to touch a life for a lifetime.

“And so, even in those dark days you’ve got to remember and it is drummed into us, you mater to these kids and simple smile can make that kids day.”

Moranbah East State School year six teacher Tracey Batchelor says she loves hearing about the success stories of her students after they left her care. Pictured with students Tye, Hayden and Kayhli. Picture: Contributed

Mrs Batchelor also thanked the support of her husband and daughter.

“We’ve always had a very honest conversation, that the day they see the passion leave my eyes, they’ll tap me on the shoulders and say it’s time.

“So there’s no actual end date (for retirement).

“It’s not a job, it’s my life, I just can’t see me doing anything else.”