Zara Hebbel: Goomeri State School teacher nominated for TEACHX award

Meet the Goomeri teacher whose innovative approach to early childhood learning has seen her named a finalist for a prestigious Queensland teachers award.

A life-changing approach to ensuring inclusivity for every child has won Goomeri teacher Zara Hebbel a spot as a finalist in this year’s Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.

Arriving in Sydney from Sweden at 10-years-old and speaking very little English, Ms Hebbel’s passion for inclusivity was ignited by her own experience with a dismissive teacher, who put her on a bench at the back of a classroom and “left (her) there to immerse”.

However, after moving to Queensland, Ms Hebbel said a new teacher took her under her wing and adjusted the class’s activities to warmly include the 10-year-old - which would set the tone for her own career in education.

“Every child has the same needs, whether here in Barambah, in Brisbane or at the exclusive international school: to feel safe, to feel valued. With reasonable adjustments and scaffolded learning, they can experience success. Every child can learn,” Ms Hebbel said.

Ms Hebbel has taught children from play group to Year 12, in urban and rural settings, including the indigenous community of Cherbourg, where she helped to better prepare preschool children for school.

“After consultation and research, we proposed a pilot program, a unique three-quarter day preschool timetable with an afternoon home-visiting program – a Queensland first,” she said.

“After a trial year, we had consistent feedback from all three feeder schools that there was a significant difference in school readiness for those children.”

Goomeri State School teacher Zara Hebbel.

Ms Hebbel is also passionate about early intervention for children.

“It’s how the brain develops. Prior to the age of eight the brain is much more flexible, so if we can ensure that children are provided with individualised support, to make connections, they will benefit long-term,” she said.

“T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More – moving a school forward from good to great cannot be achieved by any one individual, it takes a whole school approach.”

Her expertise in breaking down barriers for children, positive partnerships with parents, collaborating with advisory specialists and celebrating success, inspired her move into special education.

As Head of Special Education Services at Murgon State High School she established an Early Childhood Developmental Centre, before her return to Goomeri State School.

“After all these years, my passions are still early childhood education, literacy – a love of books and reading, valuing diversity – special needs, and multicultural and indigenous education, and ensuring every child has access and achieves success in learning,” she said.

Ms Hebbel said the nomination is “the pride of (her) career” and the result of a 10 year grind to help all children achieve their best.

Winners of the TEACHX Awards will be announced on October 28, on the eve of World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Queensland.

Finalists win $500 and winners $5000 for professional development.’

Originally published as Zara Hebbel: Goomeri State School teacher nominated for TEACHX award