13 teachers of Townsville celebrated on World Teachers’ Day
Townsville and surrounds is home to some of the most amazing teachers — and today, on World Teachers Day, we’re celebrating them. See the list.
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A Charters Towers teacher who has dreamt of being a teacher since she was in preschool, was named one of the faces of Queensland’s World Teachers’ Day.
Teachers across North Queensland were celebrated on Friday.
Charters Towers teacher Brooke Stevenson, who works at Columba Catholic College, has been a teacher for three years.
But she’s had her heart set on education ever since she was first taught in preschool.
“I love my job – although it’s not always as glamorous as it seems,” she said.
“Teachers are a different kind of magnificent. Whenever I find myself stressed and overwhelmed by the workload that comes with our profession, thinking of the students and all the special moments that come with them is what reminds me that this job is like no other.”
Ms Stevenson said that while her colleagues and fellow teachers had been invaluable in driving her to be better, the biggest reward was working with her students.
“Being able to reflect on the progress students have made over just a short period of time, is such a reassuring feeling,” she said.
“It’s cheering students on as they have ‘light bulb’ moments and suddenly understand the concept you’ve been teaching them for a week.
“It’s laughing, crying, celebrating, learning, creating and growing with a group of future leaders that think the world of you. The students are what makes teaching so rewarding.”
Following in Ms Stevenson’s example, we put out the call to our local teaching community to nominate and highlight some of the special people who help set the next generation on the right path.
Here’s what they had to say:
Tec-NQ
Max Johnson teaches science at Tec-NQ. His knowledge of the curriculum and his passion for education has helped him form inspirational bonds with his students. Max is not only a teacher, he is a mentor and valued member of the Tec-NQ team. Today we celebrate you. Max.
Townsville Community Learning Centre
Donna Linneman’s leadership skills and wisdom are reflective in her leading the team to achieve successful learning outcomes of every student.
Townsville Grammar School
Naomi Agostino:
Mrs Agostino has been teaching at Townsville Grammar School’s North Ward Campus since 2012 and is the Head of Faculty – Business & Humanities. Mrs Agostino is one of the finest educators. Her ability to ‘see’ students, understand where they are at and work with them to bring out their best is exemplary. Her breadth of understanding of the student experience means she has a very balanced approach, to which students respond most positively. TGS is very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated educator within our teaching team.
Fiona Burnett:
Our Junior School community has been very fortunate to have Mrs Fiona Burnett co-ordinating the Music Program for 17 years. The program extends across both Junior School campuses (Annandale and North Shore) and includes Prep to Year 6 Music, as well as the Year 3 Strings Program. Mrs Burnett is highly regarded by her students and colleagues for the kind, professional and skilful way in which she encourages and fosters students’ love of music and performance. The Junior School Music Program is strong and growing, thanks to the leadership of Mrs Burnett.
St Patrick’s College Townsville
John Goulter:
A dedicated and enthusiastic educator, John Goulter has completed the first-of-its-kind research into Australian First Nations music, presenting internationally a framework to provide authentic and positive representation of Australian First Nations music in the music classroom. He has received an Award for Excellence in Australia (Kodaly-inspired Music Education) for his groundbreaking work.
Amy Plumridge:
A 2022 Rising Star Awardee (The Educator), Amy Plumridge is a dynamic and innovative educator. She has a way of helping student connect with and appreciate complex ideas, writers and styles. Her teaching is imaginative, engaging and highly informative; she pushes students to achieve excellence.
St Margaret Mary’s College
Jennie Edwards:
“The chance to be creative and facilitate learning is why I love what I do. I so enjoy watching students have those ‘light bulb’ moments in class and seeing another side of students through the work in Drama. No two days are the same, no two students are the same.”
Ms Edwards trained at the University of Leeds and taught at a Catholic High School in the North of England. Her career expanded from teacher to leader, with her passion for creativity and establishing relationships with students through the creation of pieces of drama.
From classroom teaching to directing large scale musical theatre productions to smaller traditional plays – we are so lucky to have Ms Edwards as part of our SMMC community.
Marienne Milani:
“Inspiring students to extend their learning and being inspired by students to extend my own learning is why I love being a teacher.”
Having completed postgraduate studies in Spirituality, Business and Career Development, plus a number of courses with the Hat Academy, Whitehouse Institute of Design and the Australian Institute of Creative Design, our students are lucky to be learning from Mrs Milani.
Kelso State School
Sarah Rayward (left) and Sarah Dirie (right) work tirelessly to engage in community and family partnerships to ensure every student has the best transition to Prep possible. Sarah and Sarah ensure every Prep student feels welcome and engages in fun, age-appropriate learning because they know the early years count!
Jessika Leyshon creates authentic positive relationships with her students. Engaging them through creative and fun lessons, Jessika demonstrates her student-centred approach to teaching.
Hermit Park State School
Mrs Bianca Anderson was nominated by one of your Facebook commenters, who recognised her handwork and incredible heart. Here’s what they had to say:
“Mrs Bianca Anderson at Hermit Park State School. This lady is a superwoman and certainly can change a child’s life around. She is so caring towards her students. Differently one of those teachers her students will go through life and remember being in Grade 3 in 2022.”
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Originally published as 13 teachers of Townsville celebrated on World Teachers’ Day
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