Australia’s best teachers: Qld teachers named among nation’s best
Queensland students are in good hands, with the state’s top teachers described in their “report cards” as inspiring, empowering, supportive and sensitive. SEE THE LIST
Education
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In classrooms and school yards across Australia they inspire our children to learn, dream and stay connected.
But many teachers continue to feel undervalued and unsupported.
New research – revealed as part of this year’s Australia’s Best Teachers series – found three in four educators love being an educator and feels it’s a fulfilling career.
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Yet only three in 10 teachers feel they are valued, supported and positively portrayed in society.
The research, titled The Forces Shaping Education and conducted by News Corp Australia’s Growth Intelligence Centre, also found the vast majority of parents believe the right educator can truly shape a child’s future, with passionate, skilled teachers seen as the single biggest influence on learning outcomes and success.
Vice chancellor and president of Griffith University in Queensland Professor Carolyn Evans said the series is playing a vital role in attracting and retaining teachers to the profession.
“The rest of us can play our part by making sure that the great teachers who are out there and who make such a difference in the lives of our children know how much we appreciate them,” Evans said.
Recognising, celebrating and elevating the status of teachers has been the core purpose of our Australia’s Best Teachers series since it launched. Now in its third year, the series continues to profile the positive impact teachers have and illustrates why celebrating their work has a profound impact.
“The Best Teachers campaign beautifully highlights the inspiring individuals who are shaping the future,” presenting partner Big Ass Fans Australia managing director Shaun Brehaut said.
“The stories of kindness, compassion and genuine impact are truly uplifting.”
QUEENSLAND’S TOP TEACHERS
KATHRYN GEORGE
In her 48-year teaching career, Kathryn George has taken her school’s music program from three broken xylophones and an out-of-tune piano to one of Australia’s largest single-school marching bands and international performances, earning her an Order of Australia Medal. Her music programs have given her students confidence, discipline and focus and she believes studying music enhances their learning process. She is one of Queensland’s longest-serving state school teachers, starting her career in 1978.
KATE TROTTER
As a Support Teacher Inclusive Education, Kate Trotter works tirelessly with staff and families to build an inclusive place of learning, ensuring students of all abilities and backgrounds can access the curriculum and participate in school life. She says it is an absolute privilege to walk with families, building relationships and partnerships within the school community.
DAVE MCMASTER
Dave McMaster’s creativity relating to teaching extends beyond the classroom into attendance and engagement initiatives. His history class has solved the murder of Julius Caesar; he organised a Haunted Hospital rewards evening, and he introduced school-based Monopoly games to encourage attendance. His enthusiasm and work ethic inspires his students and colleagues, demonstrating the importance of creativity and collaboration.
LAUREN GERMANOTTA
Year 1 teacher Lauren Germanotta has a meaningful impact on young people through her commitment to creating an inclusive and emotionally safe classroom environment. Named a 2024 Educator Rising Star, she is completing a Masters in Educational Neuroscience, using her knowledge to help students understand their brains and improve cognitive wellbeing through strategies like sleep, nutrition and stress management.
PAUL DIONYSIUS
Paul Dionysius makes digital technologies more accessible and engaging for his students, breaking down the complexity of coding into creative and relatable projects that inspire students to explore and solve “real world” problems. He is building resilience and creating a generation of innovators ready to debug any challenges.
KIRSTIN ELLARD
Kirstin Ellard uses any opportunity to engage her students in learning about science, and has the best classroom to do it: Norfolk Island. She makes the most of her environment and community to her students’ gain. For example, she calls the local butcher for some organs for anatomy class or pulls the school bus over to study the Island’s sandstone rock formations.
SARAH WARNER
Sarah Warner has built an inclusive learning environment for all her students by learning Auslan to help students who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel like they belong. She incorporates signs into her daily lessons, launched an Auslan choir and her students ask to learn signs so they can communicate with deaf or hard of hearing peers. She understands the importance of connection and has empowered her students with the right tools.
JULIE FLYNN
The impact that Julie Flynn’s teaching has had on all the students she has worked with is evident in their learning progress and increased results, but most importantly in their happy dispositions at school. A “born teacher” she has seamlessly transitioned from childcare to primary education and is a dedicated and capable graduate teacher.
BELINDA VLASENKO
For Belinda Vlasenko, school was a place of wonder and enjoyment, and she now loves sharing her passion with young people and encouraging them to find their own. While classroom learning is important, she brings other aspects of joy and experience to students through cultural showcases, buddy programs and extra-curricular programs.
TIM BATEUP
Tim Bateup is an award-winning educator transforming how digital technologies and design are taught in Queensland. Through his work with the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy, he has developed innovative online programs that bring high-quality STEM education to rural and remote students. In 2026, he will travel to New York as a Queensland-Cooper Hewitt Fellow to work with global leaders at the Smithsonian Design Museum.
Australia’s Best Teachers is presented in partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Education Perfect and Big Ass Fans.
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