INSPIRATIONAL TEACHERS REVEALED IN STATEWIDE AWARDS

Twenty-one of Queensland’s most inspirational teachers have been revealed today as finalists in prestigious state teaching awards.

Finalists include a Palm Island high school teacher helping graduates gain employment, a Brisbane Prep teacher who ensures children from refugee backgrounds succeed, and a biochemist and physiotherapists who have switched to teaching and are providing exciting learning opportunities. From the Gold Coast to Cairns, transformational school leaders and teachers who are changing the lives of students have been named Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Excellence in Teaching Awards finalists.

QCT Board Chair Emeritus Professor Wendy Patton congratulated each of the 21 finalists on their exceptional skills and commitment to the teaching profession, which helps shape the future of the state.

“Queensland is privileged to have outstanding teachers right across the state, in all sectors of schooling,” Emeritus Professor Patton said.

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by the finalists’ individual stories and the differences they are making,” she said.
“I’d also like to thank the hundreds of teachers who were nominated for the awards for their teaching excellence. Your achievements and the difference you are making are to be celebrated and valued.”

The award winners will be announced on 27 October when Queensland celebrates World Teachers’ Day.  The Story Bridge will also light up to celebrate teachers on the night of October 26. 

Finalists include:
Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
Dr Jennifer Bannan – Kirwan State High School
Bianca Battoraro – Townsville Grammar School
Tahnee Brown – Wisdom College
Tania Cowley – Kawana Waters State College
Tangi Montfort – Tropical North Learning Academy – Smithfield State High School
Continued over the page …
Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award continued …
Morgan Stebbings – Cavendish Road State High School
 
Excellence in Teaching Award
Andrew Devoy – Marist College Ashgrove
Jane Greffe – Marymount College
Steven Griffiths – Cavendish Road State High School
Zoe Hiddins – Kirwan State High School
Deborah Mackinnon – Mitchelton Special School
 
Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
Dianne Aylward – Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre
Joanna Cornwell – St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Rockhampton
Marius Marx – Pimpama State School
Louise McGuire – St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Dr Carolyn Moores – Townsville Grammar School
 
Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award
Leanne Collins – Fraser Coast Anglican College
Jill Green – Fitzgerald State School
Lynette Kim Sing – Bwgcolman Community School
Dr Lyn Nothdurft – St Patrick’s College, Gympie
Jeff Symms – The Southport School, Preparatory School
 
Winners will receive $5000 in the first three categories, with the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award recipient receiving the Betty Watts Medal. Finalists in the first two categories also receive $500, while the Excellence in Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award finalists receive $1000 each.

For more information about any of the finalists please contact QCT Media and Communications Manager Tanya Chilcott on 07 3377 4776 or 0499 10 53 63.

​ENDS