Poll open: Vote now to help decide who is the Western Downs’ favourite teacher for 2024

Across the Western Downs there are countless teachers who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of their students. Now is your chance to cast your vote and have your say on who is the Western Downs’ favourite for 2024.

Right across the Western Downs there are countless teachers who go to school every day and make a difference in the lives of their students.

To help recognise the efforts of our educators, we asked you to nominate your favourite teacher, and now it’s your turn to cast your vote and have your say in our poll.

Voting closes 11.59am on August 5, so be sure to share and get behind your favourite to win.

Support for teachers has already been streaming in.

One Chinchilla resident, said Robyn Reardon is the region’s best teacher.

“(She) has dedicated 40 years to Chinchilla, impacting generations with her kindness and patience.” the submission from Chinchilla State School class 6A read.

“Leading the school project club, she inspires students with leadership and kindness.”

Kelly Kleidon said Katie Walsh has “gone above and beyond,” for her her son with autism and delayed learning.

“Katie has true passion towards teaching!”

Teachers across the region have said they were “humbled” that their hard work was being recognised.

Teacher at Dalby South State School, Hayley Ackery said she was inspired by her own year 5 teacher.

“(Mrs Smith) was outgoing, loud, encouraging - the biggest cheerleader,” Ms Ackery said.

“She was an amazing asset to any school and the biggest ally for all students.”

Ms Ackery said her favourite part of her job was “building relationships with each and every student that crosses the threshold into my classroom and watching them bloom into the best version of themselves”.

“Teaching really is the gift that keeps on giving,” she said.

Hayley Ackery has been nominated as one of the Western Downs' favourite teachers.

Dalby South State School teacher, Cass Glasser, said she loved “making a positive difference in children’s lives”.

“With the right mind-set, teaching can be fulfilling, sometimes challenging but very rewarding,” Ms Glasser said.

She said she loves that she can be herself in her role and be “kind, caring, helpful, passionate, and funny,” at her job every day.

Cass Glasser has been nominated as one of the Western Downs' favourite teachers.

Another Dalby South State School teacher, Vanessa Reilly, said: “teaching is a dynamic, creative path to share my passion for learning.”

“In over 15 years of teaching no day is ever the same,” Mr Reilly said.

“My favourite part of teaching is witnessing the learning journey of each student.

“Everyone makes progress and shines in their own way.

It is a privilege to be a teacher.”

Principal of Kogan State School, Kylie Judd, said she became a teacher because she enjoys “working with children and watching them grow”.

“I find it incredibly rewarding to see a student’s face light up when they experience success in their individual learning journey,” she said.

“I support all students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead a life of choice, not chance.”

Kylie Judd has been nominated as one of the Western Downs' favourite teachers.

Originally published as Poll open: Vote now to help decide who is the Western Downs’ favourite teacher for 2024