40 under 30 incredible teachers across Toowoomba region inspiring the next generation
They say raising a child takes a village, and those inspiring the next generation are sometimes the ones who don’t always get the recognition. See our list of amazing teachers across the region.
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As a young child, your biggest influences are not just your family members, but the people you spend about 30 hours a week with.
Your teachers help to shape the person you are going to be in this world, by instilling values, and helping you to develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, team work and independent thinking, as well as much as more.
The Chronicle has looked at 40 teachers from across the region who are inspiring our younger generations.
Rochelle Butlin
An accounting and legal studies teacher originally never wanted to pursue education, however a desire to work with people again would shape her present life.
Rochelle Butlin, 27, began teaching at Fairholme College three years ago after first dipping her toes in accounting and discovering it wasn’t for her.
The teacher always hoped to be someone who her students can go to with any concerns or questions, and believed that bringing as much of real world perspective and experience into the classroom was key to educating students to the best of her ability.
Sophie Cover
As a teenager, Sophie Cover had a clear idea of what her life could look like, but was quickly dictated by the thoughts of others, something she would come to regret.
Two years ago, Ms Cover bean teaching at Fairholme College after working in Financial Planning and deciding she would stop listening to what others thought and pursue her dreams of teaching the younger generations.
Now, the 26-year-old teaches senior maths methods, Years 7-10 maths and Year 11 and 12 psychology.
“I try to think about my learning experience when I was at school and what I found helpful and was appreciative of in my teachers,” she said.
“As maths wasn’t always something that came easy to me, I feel like I can empathise with my students and try and break down difficult concepts.”
Olivia Rooney
Though she never had her eyes set on teaching, Olivia Rooney was always passionate about her schooling and during her first year in a bachelor of arts, decided what she wanted to do with her life.
The English and Humanities teacher at Fairholme College said she found a passion for history and wanted to share it with the world.
The 25-year-old said her ability to connect with her students was her greatest asset, and being able to relate to what they were going through, both academically and socially.
Candice Brazier
As a Year 12 student, Candice Brazier had dreams of studying law, but as the days ticked on, realised she wanted more out of life the legal career wasn’t able to fulfil.
Now as a St Joseph’s College curriculum leader of maths, Ms Brazier said teaching ticked all of her boxes by being able to interact with different people, work towards altruist goals and have the ability to exercise her creativity and critical thinking.
“I try to teach students that everyone can learn anything if they take it one step at a time at a pace they feel comfortable with and if they show resilience by staying calm when they are uncertain and looking for things or people that can help them when they aren’t sure what to do next,” she said.
“I teach students that they are capable of persevering when times are tough and that every day is a fresh start and a chance to learn something new.”
Blake Cullen
St Joseph’s College teacher Blake Cullen wanted to find a way to share his passion for sports with the world, and stumbled across what he said is a rewarding career path.
Beginning at the college at the end of Term 1, 2021, Mr Cullen said he had originally wanted to be a sports physiotherapist, but found his path to teaching science, HPE and a Certificate II and III in Sport and Recreation.
He hoped his student would feel comfortable approaching him to discuss a range of topics that may be on their minds.
Bridget Kenny
For as long as she can remember, Bridget Kenny always wanted to be a teacher, and would even force her younger brother to play school at home, going as far as to set homework.
Teaching was surely in her blood, and Ms Kenny is proudly the 32nd family member from five generations to pursue her passion in helping to shape tomorrow’s future.
The new teacher began at St Joseph’s College in mid-2021 and now teaches Year 7 and 8 Humanities and Literacy Improvement, Year 7 maths and Year 8 drama.
When asking her students what made her stand out for them, they said when she would place Freddo Frogs on their desks when they sit for exams.
However she always wanted to positively influence her students and let hem know that she not only cares about their academic progress, but their social and emotional wellbeing as well.
“As my grandfather often said, ‘teaching is a vocation not a vacation’ and
these are words I try to live by,” she said.
Jade Love
A former Mount Isa teacher, Jade Love moved to the region and began teaching at St Mary’s College two years ago.
As a teenager, Mrs Love began teaching music at a local studio, which instilled a new passion into her life and gave her insight into a career she would one day take on.
Now, Mrs Love teaches music and business, as well as oversees the Year 5 to 9 curriculum at the college.
She hopes her energy and enthusiasm in the classroom helps her connect with her students and helps them to learn and progress academically.
Monique Cotter
Toowoomba teacher Monique Cotter began working at Mary MacKillop Catholic College in 2019, and always wanted to create a space that nurtured the whole child and built skills like resilience, empathy, critical thinking and creativity.
Ms Cotter began teaching after first working within the natural resource management sector and a community pharmacy.
“The educational components of my previous jobs were something that I really enjoyed which prompted me to pursue teaching,” she said.
Now, Ms Cotter teaches senior biology, junior sciences, geography and journalism to an array of students.
One of the most important things for Ms Cotter is to create strong relationships with her students to be able to adjust her teachings to best support each student and help develop their learning processes.
Samantha Dibley
Growing up with inspiring teachers strongly influenced Samantha Dibley’s career choice once she graduated high school, with a strong desire to be an influential presence to the younger generations.
Ms Dibley began working at St Mary’s College four years ago, where she now teaches senior biology and junior science.
“I think a teacher with passion for their subject and classes is important. If the students know you care about them, they try to please,” she said.
“I think it’s important to build a relationship with the individuals in front of you. Now, I am lucky enough to have students who give their best and who I am proud of.”
Haylea Chalker
A teacher who reportedly goes above and beyond for her students and their families is Hayley Chalker from Oakey State School.
Having joined the school straight after graduating, the Year 3 and 4 composite class teacher continually adjusts her teachings based on her research and feedback from students and other teachers.
School principal Scott Pacey said she was an “extremely hardworking and professional teacher” who displays a high expectations approach to everything she does.
Shannon Kochelak
A cheerful, loveable and fun teacher has clearly made an impression on her students, who affectionately call Shannon Kochelak Miss K at Vale View State School.
A Year 3 and 4 teacher, Miss K is always ready to jump in and give a hand to whoever needs it and is a valued member of the school staff, according to principal Mark Hooson.
“To the children, they know that Miss K is always ready to listen if they have a problem, makes learning fun and always ensures that no one is left behind,” he said.
Connie Coverdale
Connie Coverdale has worked in numerous roles at Toowoomba Grammar School since 2015, however only began as a teacher in 2021, specialising in maths.
This year, she began as the assistant head of department in mathematics, and is currently the acting head and volleyball coach.
Ms Coverdale previously worked as a laboratory assistant and studied a bachelor of engineering and a graduate certificate in chemistry, which further ignited her passion for teaching and a desire to influence future generations.
“It is my belief that all students have the right to explore a diverse range of opportunities
from within the academic, sporting and cultural realm in a supportive, safe and technology-balanced learning environment, to prepare them for 21st century careers,” she said.
“My goal is to share enthusiasm, passion and dedication both in and out of the classroom, and to set the bar for learning, at a high, but achievable level, that provides all students the opportunity to recognise the importance of communication, collaboration and a consistent and strong work ethic.”
Elloise McLeish
A Toowoomba Grammar School teacher who began her career within the grounds and branched into international spaces said she is committed to working closely with colleagues and families to benefit her students.
Elloise McLeish worked four years at Toowoomba Grammar before spending two years in London as a Year 2 teacher and eventually a special education co-ordinator and SEN teacher at the international school of London.
Ms McLeish gains assistance from those around her to ensure the social, emotional and academic success of her students, and loves developing strong connections.
This year, she founded community group PLACE (professional, learning and community engagement) to allow those in the education and children’s services industry to come together to share practice, research, ideas and more.
Henry Wright
A newcomer to the Toowoomba region, Henry White arrived at Toowoomba Grammar School in September after finishing up at Geelong.
The new boarding house master teaches Year 7s and 12s in English and literature, and said his five-year career had been fruitful as he ventured into his new role.
“Teaching and pastoral care are incredibly rewarding aspects of this career, as you are, in every facet of your role, committing yourself to the betterment of others,” he said.
“I’m proud of the achievements that I’ve made so far, in the hope that I might serve others with greater aptitude.”
Renee Murray
An enthusiastic Prep teacher who provides a caring and nurturing learning environment for her students is seven-year teacher Renee Murray.
Ms Murray began at Toowoomba Grammar Junior School this year and is determined to instil a love of learning in her students as they venture forward into their education journey.
“I ensure I set meaningful learning tasks and actively support the boys through pastoral care and academic development,” she said.
Taylah Waldron
Only 12 months into her Toowoomba State High School journey, English and humanities teacher Taylah Waldron is said to have rejuvenated the subjects with a fresh approach and new teaching style.
Miss Waldron is said to provide hands-on activities that encourage a positive environment for junior students, while she offers her senior students opportunities to hear from guest speakers with different perspectives.
Nominated by her colleagues, Miss Waldron gives her students a first-class education from a first-year teacher.
Chasley Wilson
Chasley Wilson is a dedicated, positive and respected force within the Toowoomba State High School teaches, particularly within the arts department, where she looks after visual arts.
In her first three years of teaching at the school, Ms Wilson has created engaging coursework for students and offered an after school art club and workshop opportunities in Brisbane and beyond.
Under the support of Ms Wilson, some of her students have experienced success through art competitions, and some have even had their work displayed at the Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art.
Under her mentorship as a talented artist herself, Ms Wilson’s many students develop a genuine love for the Visual Arts through her class.
Gabrielle Weier
Gabrielle Weier began her teaching career at Roma State College before moving to Toowoomba State High School earlier this year, where she now teaches English and film television and new media.
Within her five-year career, Ms Weier has developed a keen interest in curriculum planning and enthusiastically contributes to the development of teaching units and openly shared her ideas.
Ms Weier may have only joined the Toowoomba school less than 12 months ago, but she has already taken on the role of a year co-ordinator, showing great potential for the young teacher.
Laura Harradine
English and science teacher Laura Harradine works at Toowoomba State High School where she has led the development of innovative new units of work for multiple year levels within the English faculty.
According to one of her colleagues, Ms Harradine’s strengths lie in unit development and curriculum planning, where she has even stepped up to the role of a year co-ordinator.
Going above and beyond in her role and for her students, Ms Harradine has also devoted her own time to marking both NAPLAN writing exams and the External Exam for General English for the QCAA.
James Nardello
Only in his first year of teaching, James Nardello has offered Toowoomba State High School students a unique experience not often available to public schools.
The 25-year-old is trained in both classroom and instrumental music, and was determined to share his talent and passion with his students, thereby offering free piano and vocal lessons.
He plays Baritone Saxophone alongside students in the school’s concert band and conducts and plays keys for the jazz band.
Moving into 2023, Mr Nardello will look after instrumental music lessons across woodwind, percussion and brass, as well as continue teaching his classroom of students.
Hannah Bailey
Talented teacher Hannah Bailey specialises in English, maths, humanities, science and students with disability, and has been working at Toowoomba State High School for about 12 months.
The beloved colleague has helped the school facilitate the vision of an inclusion education for all students, but removing the barriers and providing students the opportunities to access and participate in learning.
Ms Bailey works closely with other teachers to plan an accessible curriculum and gets help from parents to ensure all students are gaining support to achieve their full potential.
Blake Stansbie
Twenty-five year old teacher Blake Stansbie has taught at Toowoomba State High School for just over two years and has introduced students to the world of media arts and digital technologies.
With experience in film, TV and new media, Mr Stansbie took the lead in the school’s new Media Arts in Practice subject.
He will soon teach the school’s senior ICT students, and is the treasurer for the Queensland Society of Information Technology in Education’s Toowoomba branch.
Benjamin Patterson
Newly-graduated teacher Benjamin Patterson has only recently began his career at Toowoomba State High School a few months ago and is specialising in English and Digital Technologies.
Though he is not formally trained in Digital Technologies, Mr Patterson has worked particularly hard to upskill in the field, and is excited to be more involved in the school’s eSports program into the future.
In just a short period of time, Mr Patterson has “enthusiastically” brought new ideas to the English faculty, and is already showing a lot of potential for the years to come.
Ashleigh Rummenie
Ashleigh Rummenie began her teaching career three years ago at Toowoomba State High School, where she has taught science, physics, chemistry, psychology and digital technologies.
During her short time at the school, she began a robotics club for students which won a Toowoomba junior competition, placed third on a state level, and competed at the national championships.
Ms Rummenie was asked to be acting head of department for science after only two years into her career, and will soon be involved in the school’s aviation and drones program.
Rory Sheavils
A second-year teacher at Cambooya State School, Rory Sheavils branched into the education field after a journalism career.
Mr Sheavils’ background has allowed the teacher to make real-world learning a priority in his Year 6 classroom, giving his student the ability to learn quicker and increase the chances of the information being retained.
Within a two-year period, the teacher has created powerful relationships with his students, who now take responsibility for their own learning and have set an example for other students.
Jemma Hunt
Year 5 teacher Jemma Hunt began her career with Cambooya State School earlier this year, after gaining practical experience in the school during her studies.
Ms Hunt offers her students new and exciting learning opportunities by accessing various technologies, and even goes out of her way to find new challenges and experiences to enhance her own skill set.
Surprising her colleagues, Ms Hunt took time out to accompany the Year 6 cohort to a week-long camp, and heavily participated in activities, despite it not being her designated year level.
Samantha Draheim
Now in her second year of teaching at Cambooya State School, Samantha Draheim experiments with a variety of strategies to increase the engagement and outcomes with her students, in an effort for them to reach their full potential.
Previously enrolled in the Teaching Enhancement Program in her final year of study, Ms Draheim is committed to finding various ways to alter her teaching methods to ensure students require proper support in their schooling journey.
Put forward by principal David Wilson, Ms Draheim’s Year 3 classroom makes effective use of grouping strategies to meet the needs of her students and uses highly engaging strategies to engage the students in her class.
Kristie Cosmo
Year 2 teacher Kristie Cosmo has taught at Cambooya State School for about five years, and has a high level of understanding the needs of her students and plans extensively to meet them.
Committed to provide the best learning environment for her students possible, she has built strong, positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
The young teacher is quick at thinking on her feet and being able to adapt to the ever changing environment of her classroom.
Still fairly early in her career, Ms Cosmo shows great potential of strongly and positively influencing her current and future students.
Kaitlyn Rush
Though she has been involved with The Glennie School since 2016 as a teacher aide and boarding supervisor, Kaitlyn Rush became a full-time teacher this year.
Ms Rush specialises in hospitality and technology across Years 8 to 12, and as a former Glennie student herself, embodies and understands the school’s values and culture.
In an effort to connect with her students, Ms Rush engages the classroom in developing their skills through real-life examples and experiences where possible, making her a favourite throughout the year levels.
Shayne Hayes
In a field that is growing in support each year, Shayne Hayes is committed to showing her Glennie School girls that anything is possible, particularly in the sporting industry.
Shayne Hayes is an enthusiastic educator who currently coordinates The Glennie Rugby program, and coaches the rugby and touch football teams.
She is passionate about women’s sport and is dedicated to growing sports in the junior years.
She is a valued member of The Glennie School cohort and inspires students daily.
Laura Booth
An inspiring young teacher is committed to introducing the younger generations to Japanese culture and integrating it into the Australian way of life.
Laura Booth from St Ursula’s College has held a passion for the culture for many years, ultimately changing the course of her life and giving her many opportunities, which she hopes her students can one day benefit from too.
As a high school student, she studied for a month in Nagasaki, and took part in a six-week Lions Youth Exchange to Shizuoka.
In the past she has worked as a Japanese speaking tour guide for students visiting Australia, has studied at a Tokyo university and has formed many close friendships across the two countries.
Ms Booth hopes to grow St Ursula’s Japanese program, and with the help of the Japanese sister school, grow the possibility of future exchange for Toowoomba students.
Lydia Pickard
A prominent dance teacher, Lydia Pickard has taught St Ursula’s College students for seven years, ranging from Years 7 to 12.
During her career, she has been involved in five dance tours to Sydney, an USA Arts tour, various eisteddfod excursions across Queensland and annual College Dance Nights.
Ms Pickard implemented a new general dance syllabus for the college in 2019, and has choreographed multiple school musicals, including Mamma Mia, which she also directed.
The ability to inspire and foster creativity within the future generations brings Ms Pickard great joy, and loves that studying the arts provides students a platform for expression and self-development.
Lachlan O’Connell
Passionate Lachlan O’Connell has stepped into the coveted role of deputy principal at Oakey State High School, despite his young age.
Mr O’Connell has pushed through barriers, is involved in every aspect of the school and his commitment towards state education is boundless.
Principal Danny Keenan said Mr O’Connell was a clear principal in the making, after having been with the school for four years, and previously at Cunnamulla, Roma and Centenary Heights State High School.
In the past, he specialised in maths and science, however taught a variety of subjects and was even a head of department, following in his dad’s footsteps who is currently in the position at Centenary Heights.
Jake Weise
Jake Weise was always looking for a way to benefit others, and while in his final year of schooling, decided he wanted to become a teacher.
For the past three years, Mr Weise has taught health and physical education, English and religion at St Mary’s College.
Mr Weise said he always had a passion for physical activity and sports, so he wanted to find a way to do something he loved and educate others about it.
In the classroom, Mr Weise said his approach was to know the students as best as possible to be approachable in the way he teaches, and stay enthusiastic and engaging within the classroom.
Brayden Insley
A five-year teacher at Toowoomba State High School, Brayden Insley began his career at the Mount Lofty campus and specialises in Physical Education and maths.
Recently, Mr Insley has helped deliver Certificate III in fitness to Year 11 and 12 students, as well as manage the Year 7 cohort as Year level Co-ordinator.
Mr Insley is dedicated to ensuring school is a safe and positive environment for all students, and works with his colleagues to develop and implement pastoral care activities for the whole school.
Joel Currie
A new teacher to Toowoomba State High School, Joel Currie transferred from Goondiwindi at the start of the year and has quickly established himself as a reliable and highly effective teacher.
Mr Currie is in his fifth year of his teaching career, specialising in maths and physical education, and he is currently completing his masters in guidance and counselling.
He has a willingness to involve himself in all aspects of the school, and is currently the coach for the school’s extra-curricular sports program.
Mr Currie has a special ability to form vital relationships with his students quickly and is sure to be one to influence future generations in the many years to come.
Ashley-Hope Walker
Ashley-Hope Walker began her teaching career at Toowoomba State High School two years ago and has already put her stamp on the school.
Specialising in science, including junior science and psychology, as well as English, Ms Walker is considered a valued member of both teaching teams by her colleagues.
As an avid gardener herself, Ms Walker has already established a senior gardening group at the school, in the hopes of planting the seeds for future gardeners.
Katie Hickey
Three years ago, Katie Hickey entered the grounds of St Patrick’s School Allora as a fresh graduate teacher, and has since become actively engaged within the school community.
Ms Hickey teaches a combined class of Prep and Year 1 students, and loves working with them and helping them to learn new things.
Watching her young students grow and flourish has always been a rewarding experience for Ms Hickey, and something she takes great pride in. She is always finding and creating learning activities for her students that are fun and exciting, to make their schooling experience something special.
Natalia Webb
New to the teaching career, Natalia Webb transitioned into the education sector after two years studying sports and exercise science at university.
Ms Webb realised the field wasn’t for her and made the jump to secondary education, where she now works on a permission to teach contract with Assumption College in Warwick.
Being a young teacher, Ms Webb hopes her students know she can relate to what they go through and though she has high expectations in the classroom, hopes she has been able to create a fun and supportive environment.
Ms Webb teaches in the health and physical education department for Years 8 and 9, and after completing her first professional placement, knew this was the path she belonged on.
Alisha Nees
Alisha Nees has only been at Glenore Grove State School for a year, but has already demonstrated her exceptional skills and love for her job and Year 5 and 6 students.
Ms Nees is passionate about the learning of all students and accommodating to their strengths and the differences each student brings.
As her students near the next steps in their education, Ms Nees is determined to develop the social and academic growth of her students, ensuring a smooth transition into high school.
Her inspiring abilities as a teacher allows her students to experiment and discover the world around them in a unique way.
Ms Nees has created powerful bonds with her students, who have taken to her teaching methods and resulted in wonderful student outcomes as they continue to grow into teenagers.
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