Why TSS teachers are at the top of their class

TSS teachers have done some remarkable things to ensure their students don’t miss out during lockdown. Do you know a teacher who has gone above and beyond. NOMINATE THEM HERE

WHETHER it is in the classroom or from their own home teachers have also been on the frontline during the COVID-19 crisis, with many getting on with their job supporting students while various levels of government tussle over school shutdowns.

Top Teachers is a chance for us to thank the teachers going above and beyond in the COVID-19 environment.

From live dissections, to recorded chemical reactions, and custom made YouTube maths lessons, the teachers at The Southport School say their digital skills has grown in time with the outbreak, enabling them to deliver a full day of school, to cyber classrooms.

As the Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching – eLearning and Assistant Head of Department science Joshua McQueen has worked with colleagues to make the most of the online delivery with everything from interactive quizzes to personalised videos.

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Joshua McQueen, Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching - Canvas eLearning, The Southport School. Picture: Jerad Williams

“As a science teacher I like looking at data, so I would liken the E-learning curve to the growth of COVID-19, our ability to adapt has been just as exponential,” he said.

“We are probably more distanced than ever before but the situation has opened up more communication online through the facility, with lots of creative ways to deliver lessons.

“We have adapted best we can, recording, problem solving, a colleague of mine even live streamed a discretion of a heart for their students,” Mr McQueen said.

Through the outbreak TSS has also continued to deliver its full specialty program along with live regular lessons, allowing students to interact and participate in a full school day.

Using regular online quizzes, he has been able to track and gauge the progress of the class and cater lessons to particular gaps in learning.

“With distance it was hard to gauge how well a student may understand something, as we can no longer read their faces like in class.”

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Year 5 classroom teacher Joshua Beecher at The Southport School. Picture: Jerad Williams

For grade five teacher Josh Beecher the experience has been challenging, but opened his eyes to the capacity both his students and colleagues have to adapt.

“Being able to conduct lessons live has been really beneficial to the way TSS is delivering its lessons, this meant we can respond straight away and teach along with the children of essential workers in the room,” Mr Beecher said.

“I like to think we are hardworking as teachers, but an online delivery does mean so much extra prep work before the lessons. I know many parents have also been their supporting along the way.

“We are just so proud of the way the boys have grabbed the resources they have been given and run with it.

Mr Beecher said the focus for him was do provide students with a sense of normality, during such an uncertain time.

“This teamwork of this community has been amazing to watch.” he said.