Stanthorpe’s favourite teacher Leah Williamson reflects on teaching next generation

A beloved primary teacher who knew she wanted to be a teacher since the ripe age of eight has been voted as Stanthorpe’s favourite teacher. See her humble reflection on her more than 30 years of teaching.

Jessica Klein

less than 2 min read

May 20, 2025 - 11:23AM

A Greenlands State School teacher has been crowned Stanthorpe’s favourite in 2025.

While the Stanthorpe region has an abundance of beloved and devoted teachers, the community has crowned a humble primary teacher as their favourite for 2025.

Leah Williamson has always had a passion for helping others and remembers fondly how as a child she would set up a chalkboard in her neighbourhood.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher at eight-years-old,” she said.

More than three decades ago Mrs Williamson made a decision to follow the love of her life from Mount Isa to his hometown of Stanthorpe, where she ingrained herself in the Greenlands State School community.

Greenlands State School teacher Mrs Leah Williamson (centre) with her grade two to four class. Photo: Supplied

While having taught at all levels of primary, Mrs Williamson said she enjoys teaching the younger grades and is in charge of 24 students from year 2 to 4.

Mrs Williamson is proud to work alongside a former student and to be teaching their next generation.

“I love my job and it’s very special to me to be teaching the children of students I once taught,” she said.

“You develop a real sense of community working in smaller schools and it gives (new teachers) the opportunity to see how the curriculum is taught across different levels (in the same classroom).”

The dedicated primary school teacher was honoured to be crowned the region’s favourite teacher of the year, a testament to her longstanding relationships in the community.

See the runners up below.

RUNNERS UP